DENVER —
Q. Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone, can you shed some light on that?
A. We calculate body mass index when someone comes to meet me in clinic and body mass has to be at least 40 and higher without any health problems. Recently, about two years ago, the qualifications lowered to a BMI to 30 entire. We’re pushing the BMI limits a little bit lower to qualify.
Q. What are some of the things you need to know prior to recommending bariatric surgery?
A. We want to make sure the patient isn’t looking at the operation as the magic bullet, it takes a lot of work to be long term successful. This is a lifestyle and life changing operation, so we need to prepare them.
Q. What kind of success can someone typically experience after bariatric surgery?
A. 80%-90% of (patients) will reach about 30%-50% weight loss. Now to compare to (weight loss medications) at best you lose about 20% weight.
Q. What kind of questions should we be asking doctors?
A. The first question to ask your doctor is if you can tolerate a general anesthetic and an operation. If your health problems are too severe, that you won’t be able to undergo an operation then this is not the right option for you, and then we need to talk about medical weight loss.
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