You've tried every diet. You've sweated at the gym. You've counted calories until you're exhausted. And yet, the mirror still reflects the same image that frustrates you every morning. More than once you've wondered if bariatric surgery could be the answer, But something holds you back: Is it really for you? How can you know for sure?
Thousands of people face this same question every day. The good news is that There are specific criteria and signs that can help you determine if bariatric surgery is the best option. for your situation.
In this article, we'll guide you through these aspects so you can make an informed decision about your health.
What is bariatric surgery and when is it considered?
The bariatric surgery It's not a cosmetic procedure or a quick fix for losing a few pounds. It's a serious medical intervention, designed for people living with severe obesity who haven't achieved lasting results with conventional methods.
There are different types of bariatric surgery; The most common procedures are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve (vertical gastrectomy), and adjustable gastric banding. Each works differently, but they all share the same goal: to help you lose weight and improve obesity-related health conditions.
Doctors are considering bariatric surgery when a person's weight poses a significant risk to their health and when other supervised weight loss methods have already been tried without success in the long term.
It's not a decision to be taken lightly, and that's precisely why it's so important to understand if you're a suitable candidate.
Medical criteria: Do you meet the basic requirements?
First of all, there are established medical criteria that determine who can benefit from bariatric surgery.
Let's look at them calmly:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI It's a measurement that relates your weight to your height. and it is one of the main indicators used by doctors.
You may generally be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:
- Your BMI is equal to or greater than 40 (grade III or morbid obesity)
- Your BMI is equal to or greater than 35 and you have at least one serious health condition related to obesity.
To calculate your BMI, divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters) squared.
For example: if you weigh 120 kg and are 1.70 m tall, your BMI would be 120 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) = 41.5.
Associated health conditions
The presence of comorbidities —diseases related to obesity— is a key factor in the decision.
These include:
- Type 2 diabetesespecially when it is difficult to control with medication
- High blood pressureHigh blood pressure requiring continuous medication
- Sleep apnea: pauses in breathing during sleep that affect quality of life
- Cardiovascular diseasesWeight-related heart problems
- Joint problemsChronic pain in the knees, hips, or back due to excess weight
- Hepatic steatosis: accumulation of fat in the liver that can progress to more serious diseases
- High cholesterol and triglycerides: difficult to control even with medication
If you live with one or more of these conditions and have a BMI over 35, bariatric surgery may be considered an important therapeutic option.
Read also:
👉 Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Signs that bariatric surgery may be your best option
In addition to objective medical criteria, there are clear signs that bariatric surgery may be the best choice for you:
You have tried conventional methods without lasting success.
Be honest with yourself: have you already tried losing weight in a supervised and consistent way?
If you went through:
- Repeated diets that worked temporarily, but where the weight always returned.
- Regular exercise programs without significant long-term results
- Nutritional support for at least six months without achieving or maintaining the desired weight
- Frustrating cycles of weight loss and gain (rebound effect)
…then you've already demonstrated your commitment and effort. Bariatric surgery isn't for those who "don't want to try"; it's for those who have already tried everything and need a more effective tool.
Your health is at risk
Maybe already You take several medications to control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.. Or perhaps your doctor has already warned you about the risks of maintaining your current weight. When your health is at risk and progressively deteriorates due to weight, bariatric surgery ceases to be optional and becomes necessary.
Ask yourself: Is my quality of life compromised? Do I have difficulty performing basic daily activities? Do I constantly feel low on energy? Do I avoid social situations because of my weight? 🤔
Are you mentally prepared for change?
This is perhaps the most important criterion. Bariatric surgery It requires a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes.
You need to be prepared for:
- Follow a specific eating plan for the rest of your life
- Take vitamin supplements daily
- Attend follow-up appointments regularly
- Incorporate physical exercise as part of your routine
- Coping with emotional and psychological changes
If you have family support, are willing to work with a multidisciplinary team, and understand that surgery is a tool (not a magic solution), you are on the right track.
Important questions to ask yourself
Before taking the next step, reflect honestly on these questions:
- Did I try to lose weight in a supervised way for at least 6 months? Most health plans and doctors require evidence of previous attempts.
- Does my weight significantly affect my health or quality of life? Be specific about how weight impacts your daily life.
- Am I willing to follow nutritional recommendations for the rest of my life? This includes eating small portions, avoiding certain foods, and eating slowly.
- Do I have emotional and family support? Recovery and lifestyle changes are much easier with a support network.
- Do I understand that surgery is a tool and not a magic solution? Long-term success depends on your daily decisions.
- Am I ready for permanent changes in my diet? You won't be able to eat large quantities at once, and some foods may not be well tolerated.
- Am I able to commit to ongoing medical follow-up? Regular checkups are essential to monitor your health and progress.
If you answered “If you answered ”yes” to most of these questions, you could be a good candidate. for bariatric surgery.
Read also:
👉 Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
When bariatric surgery is NOT the best option
It is equally important to recognize when surgery is not indicated. Honesty at this point can prevent unnecessary frustrations and risks.
- Mild or moderate obesity that can be effectively treated with supervised diet and exercise
- Lack of commitment to permanent lifestyle changes
- Uncontrolled medical conditions that make surgery too risky (some heart problems, lung problems, or serious psychiatric disorders)
- Unrealistic expectations about the results or the effort that will be required after surgery
- Untreated eating disorders, such as bulimia or severe binge eating disorder, should be addressed first.
- Active dependence on alcohol or drugs that requires treatment before considering surgery
- Inability to follow medical instructions or attend follow-up appointments
If any of these points apply to you, It doesn't mean you can never have the surgery; It may simply be necessary to address these issues first with professional help.
The next step: schedule your evaluation with New Body Bariatric Center
If, after reading this article, you believe that bariatric surgery may be the best option for you, the next step is to seek a specialized medical evaluation.
In New Body Bariatric Center We offer just that: a complete and personalized approach to accompany you at every stage of this transformative journey.
During the evaluation process, You will undergo a series of pre-operative tests, These procedures include comprehensive blood tests, digestive endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and cardiac evaluation. All of this care is designed to ensure your safety and maximize your chances of long-term success.
Why choose New Body Bariatric Center?
At New Body, we understand that the decision to undergo bariatric surgery is deeply personal. That's why our approach is based on shared decision-making: our team has the experience and knowledge to guide you, but we know that you know your body, your story, and your level of commitment better than anyone.
We are not here just to perform surgery; We are here to accompany you on a complete life transformation, with support before, during and long after the procedure.
Ready to take the first step? Contact New Body Bariatric Center today and schedule your evaluation consultation. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help you discover if bariatric surgery is truly the best option for you.
