Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery: Is it Right For You?
Indications for Bariatric Surgery
The indications to undergo bariatric surgery are based on body mass index (BMI) as well as the presence of comorbidities. Patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m2, regardless of comorbidities, are candidates.
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and a BMI of 30 – 34.9 kg/m2. Indications of comorbidities in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2, with coexisting medical problems, and for whom bariatric surgery would not carry an excessive risk, are candidates for surgery. Examples of comorbidities include, but are not limited to, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), GERD, asthma, venous stasis disease, severe urinary incontinence, debilitating arthritis, or considerably impaired quality of life.
Contraindications for Bariatric Surgery
While there are no absolute contraindications to bariatric surgery, relative contraindications do exist. These include severe heart failure, unstable coronary heart disease, end stage lung disease, active cancer treatment, portal hypertension, drug/alcohol dependency, and impaired intellectual capacity. In the case of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Chron's disease is a relative contraindication. Any contraindication to receiving general anesthesia would also be a contraindication for these surgeries.
Who do I contact with questions about Bariatric Surgery?
Call 607-734-2695 or click here for more information.
