Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Start by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) and then consider the following questions:

  1. Is your BMI > 35?
    • If not, then you are not a potential candidate for surgery under the current evidence-based guidelines.
    • If your BMI is between 35 and 40, do you suffer from weight related illness that might be improved with significant weight loss?
    If the answer is NO then weight loss surgery may not be a suitable option for you.
  2. Have you really tried to lose weight by supervised dieting, modifying your lifestyle, and have you asked your GP for help?
  3. Do you feel that your weight poses a major risk to your health and life or are you just unhappy about your appearance?
  4. Are you looking for a quick fix that will do the work of losing weight for you, or are you committed to the process that requires commitment to lifestyle and diet change?
  5. Do you realise that weight loss surgery does not guarantee success?
  6. Are your expectations realistic for the amount of weight you are likely to lose after surgery?
  7. Do you abuse alcohol or other drugs?

If you have tried all available non-surgical methods to lose weight and are committed to the process involved in changing your eating habits and lifestyle then surgery might be the correct decision for you.

Surgery should be undertaken only after a comprehensive preoperative assessment of any psychological or clinical factors that may affect adherence to postoperative care requirements, such as changes to diet. Never consider surgery as a quick fix - no matter what type of operation is used, a degree of personal commitment to a healthier lifestyle is needed.

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