Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery Quiz

Have you been worried about your weight and wondering if bariatric surgery is right for you? It’s proven that weight-loss surgeries, along with an improved diet and regular physical activity, are the best way to lose up to 100 pounds or more of your excess body weight. However, not everyone is a viable candidate for these procedures. So you may be wondering, “Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?”

It’s a big step to undergo a bariatric procedure, but the benefits are difficult to ignore. Improved health, the remission of some diseases, mobility, flexibility, and so much more. We understand taking that first step–scheduling a consultation with a bariatric surgeon–is a big one, so we developed a weight loss surgery “quiz” to give you a better idea of whether or not you are a viable candidate.

The fact is, not everyone is in a position to have a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or other surgery for losing weight. There are many aspects to consider beyond your weight, including past efforts to lose excess weight and psychological factors. There may even be physical limitations that may preclude you from undergoing a procedure.

With this weight-loss surgery quiz, you’ll have a better understanding of what bariatric surgery is and why it isn’t for everyone. We want to make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed choice about your health before reaching out to New York Minimally Invasive Surgery.

How Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery

The truth is, there are some people who don’t qualify as a candidate for bariatric surgery. As you go through these questions, answer them honestly and thoughtfully–it’s the only way to get a complete picture of your candidacy. This should assess various aspects of your health and readiness for undergoing weight loss surgery.

Age

How old are you? Weight loss surgery is typically recommended for individuals 18-65 years old, but age criteria may vary. With improvements in weight loss surgery and laparoscopic techniques in general, age is becoming less and less a factor.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

What is your current BMI? BMI is a key factor in determining eligibility for weight loss surgery as certain thresholds need to be met. A BMI of 30 or more with comorbidities (diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, etc.) or simply a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more means you are a viable candidate.

To figure out your body mass index, take your weight in pounds, divide it by your height squared (in inches), and then multiply by 702. That will give you your BMI score. It’s a little easier in the metric system: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared.

Previous Weight Loss Attempts

Have you tried other methods of weight loss (e.g., diet, exercise, counseling) without significant and sustained success? And why were those attempts not successful? This is one way to help us see if you have the ability to stick with the plan or if there are roadblocks that keep getting in the way.

Health Conditions

Do you have any obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or heart disease? Your weight can often contribute to these issues, so weight-loss surgery becomes a health issue, a remedy.

Mental Health

Have you been diagnosed with or treated for any mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could affect your ability to cope with the emotional aspects of surgery and recovery? Whether it’s from your friends, family, coworkers, or others (not to mention yourself), this decision will bring a lot of questions and opinions.

Lifestyle Factors

Do you have a history of substance abuse, including alcohol or recreational drugs? Are you committed to making significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, post-surgery? Have you been evaluated by a dietitian or nutritionist to assess your current eating habits and dietary knowledge?

Are you prepared to follow a strict postoperative diet plan? Remember, this isn’t something that you stick to for six months and move on to something else. Weight-loss surgery needs to be a lifelong devotion. Are you committed to long-term follow-up care, including regular check-ups and monitoring by your healthcare team?

Surgical History

Have you undergone any abdominal surgeries in the past that could affect the safety or success of weight loss surgery? This could include hernia surgeries or even past weight-loss surgeries. Scar tissue could become a factor in these cases. Also, Have you received medical clearance from a healthcare provider stating that you are physically fit for surgery?

Support System

Do you have a strong support system (family, friends) to help you both before and after the surgery? At New York Minimally Invasive Surgery, we do have support groups for our patients, but having someone close to you who has your back can really make all the difference.

Weight Loss Goals

What are your realistic weight loss goals and expectations for the surgery? Have you received education and counseling about the different types of weight loss surgeries available, their risks, benefits of weight loss surgery, and potential complications? Do you fully understand the risks and alternatives to weight loss surgery, and are you willing to provide informed consent?

Insurance Coverage

Do you have health insurance that covers weight loss surgery, or are you prepared to cover the costs out-of-pocket if necessary? New York Minimally Invasive Surgery will work with you and your insurance company to see what is covered, what isn’t, and the steps you need to take for coverage.