Weight loss surgery has become a more common procedure in the United States. Many people choose weight-loss surgery over weight-loss “the old-fashioned” diet and exercise for a reason: diet and exercise just didn’t work for them.

The reasons diet and exercise do not work for some patients are varied, but are generally due to ingrained behaviors that make attempting a lifestyle change very difficult. The result is a yo-yo diet, which does not help people lose weight and instead serves to promote unhealthy eating.

So if you’re overweight and you want to finally see that excess weight go away, ask yourself: do you qualify for weight loss surgery?

Who qualifies for weight loss surgery?

People with a BMI greater than 35.
The BMI, or body mass index, is used to assess a person’s overweight in relation to their height. Over 25 is considered overweight, but over 35 indicates severe obesity. People with severe obesity make up about 18% of the Indian population as of 2019

People with obesity-related health problems.
People with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, or fatty liver disease are considered good candidates for weight loss surgery. This is because weight loss surgeries have been found to be particularly effective in sending these conditions into remission, regardless of weight loss.

People who have tried diet and exercise without results.
If you’ve tried making healthier changes to your diet, but haven’t been able to stick with them, you’re not alone. Most people who try to lose weight don’t succeed the first time. However, if it’s been years of trying diet and exercise to no avail, and you meet the other requirements as well, then it might be time to consider weight loss surgery.

Important things to know about weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery is a big decision. It is a complicated procedure that carries a risk of complications. The worst thing is that weight loss surgeries do not guarantee that a person will not regain their weight. To ensure that weight is maintained, patients are urged to make necessary dietary and lifestyle changes.

Weight loss surgery is NOT like plastic surgery. It makes fundamental alterations to the way your digestive system works to make overeating much more difficult and prevent excessive calorie absorption.

Think of weight loss surgery as a last-ditch effort – the final decision to lose weight forever. If you commit to weight loss surgery and the changes it requires, you WILL SEE results and your health will benefit greatly.