Departments Banner
Is Weight-loss Surgery the Next Step for You?
Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is an option for people who are still severely obese after exhausting all weight-loss options other than surgery, and especially appropriate for people with serious obesity-related disease(s) who have been unable to lose weight by other means.
Severe Obesity
Most people who are overweight or obese need to change their diets and increase their level of physical activity. But severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone.

Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is the best option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means, and especially for those who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. Bariatric surgery promotes weight-loss by restricting food intake and, in some cases, modifying the digestive process. As in other treatments for obesity, the best results are achieved by combining surgery with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity.

People whose doctors recommend weight-loss surgery are generally those with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 — about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women. People with a BMI between 35 and 40 are likely to be candidates for surgery.

Weight-loss surgery is appropriate for you if you have
  • A BMI of 40 or more or are at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight
  • A serious obesity-related health problem such as diabetes, severe sleep apnea, heart disease, joint pain, or depression, and a BMI of 35 or more
And you are
  • Committed to losing weight and improving your health
  • Unlikely to lose weight successfully with nonsurgical measures
  • Well informed about the surgery and the effects of treatment
  • Aware of how your life may change after the operation (adjustment to the side effects of the surgery, including the need to chew food thoroughly and the inability to eat large meals)
  • Aware of the potential for serious complications, dietary restrictions and possible failures
  • Committed to lifelong medical follow-up
Important Considerations
It's important to remember that weight-loss surgery, while often an effective and potentially lifesaving option, is not an easy way out. There is no absolute guarantee that surgery will produce and maintain weight loss. Similar to conventional weight-loss methods, your ultimate success will still depend on your long-term commitment to behavioral changes and medical follow-up. Surgery will provide a valuable tool in the fight against obesity.

All patients considering weight-loss surgery are encouraged to attend a seminar where they will be provided with written materials, learn about the procedure, talk to patients who have undergone the surgery, and meet the weight-loss surgery team prior to making their final decision.

In addition, patients should undergo careful, preoperative psychological screening, including consultation with a qualified psychiatrist, to ensure that they are capable of dealing with the psychological stress of weight-loss surgery.

Source: NIDDK: Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity

Weight-loss surgery as well as preoperative nutritional assessments may be covered under your health insurance policy. Your surgeon's office can assist you in submitting necessary nutritional and psychological evaluations and a cover letter to your health insurance company to seek insurance authorization for your surgery.