Question: Does bariatric surgery require a serious commitment?

Answer: Most surgeons require patients to demonstrate serious motivation for lifestyle change and a clear understanding of the extensive dietary, exercise and medical guidelines that must be followed for the remainder of their lives. Bariatric surgery requires a solid commitment to long term follow-up care. In many cases, insurance carriers require proof that a patient has attempted weight loss under medical supervision and has been unsuccessful with conventional treatment before weight loss surgery will be approved.

Question: Is bariatric surgery a cosmetic surgery?

Answer: Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery or liposuction; Bariatric surgery is major surgery involving the digestive system. The stomach and intestines are modified so that less food can be consumed and/or absorbed, which leads to a substantial loss of weight that can be maintained for years. Weight loss surgery should be viewed first and foremost as a method of alleviating chronic disease. When diet and exercise have failed, and the benefits of surgery outweigh the risk of disease related to obesity, bariatric surgery is a good option.

Question: What is the youngest age for which weight loss surgery is recommended?

Answer: Generally accepted guidelines from the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health indicate surgery is only for those 18 years of age and older. Weight loss surgery has been performed on patients 16 and younger in some centers. The ASBS is concerned that young patients may not have reached full developmental or emotional maturity to make this type of decision. Young weight loss surgery patients should understand the importance of the lifelong commitment to the altered eating and lifestyle changes necessary for success.

Question: What is the oldest patient for whom bariatric surgery is recommended?

Answer: Patients over 65 require very strong indications for surgery and must also meet stringent criteria. The chances of surgery risks increase, but weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of mortality from obesity-related health conditions.

Question: Can weight loss surgery prolong my life?

Answer: There is good evidence from scientific research that:

• if you have Type 2 diabetes (or other serious obesity-related health conditions)
• are at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight
• are able to comply with lifestyle changes (daily exercise and healthy diet)

then weight loss surgery may significantly prolong your life.

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