One in every three Americans is obese, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, weight loss procedures and products have become highly sought after as people try to find immediate and effective solutions to weight problem.
One of the most reliable solutions has been surgery. Every surgery has its own benefits and downsides. Bariatric surgery is one of the most preferable option with favorable results and minimal side effects.
If you’re considering a bariatric surgery Houston, here are a few things you should know.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is all about reducing the size of your stomach. The goal is to reduce the amount of food you take and consequently control the amount of carbs and fats getting into your system. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that over 200,000 bariatric surgeries are conducted each year.
The same study also found that for the obese, bariatric surgery can reduce the mortality risk by up to 40%.
Other than reducing the size of the stomach, the surgery can also result in low appetite because of hormonal changes and a change in metabolism.
Do you qualify for the procedure?
It is important to identify if you’re a suitable candidate for a bariatric surgery Houston. Some of the qualifications considered when assessing a patient include the body mass index (BMI). Patients with a BMI above 35 qualify and those with a BMI of 30 and above can also be considered.
Different types of procedures
There are different types of bariatric procedures. Each of them has the same goal of reducing the size of your stomach but done differently. A balloon or a band can be implanted in the stomach. However, these are temporary measures.
Permanent procedures include Sleeve Gastrectomy in which involves removal of 80% of the stomach. The other alternative is Gastric Bypass, where bisection of the stomach and the small intestines occur. The smaller segments are then linked together. This reduces appetite and the amount of food you can eat.
How do you pick the right procedure?
Up to 70% of patients prefer sleeve gastrectomy. However, the best procedure is typically determined by your weight. For patients with a BMI of between 35 – 40, sleeve gastrectomy is suitable. Gastric bypass is preferable for patients with a BMI of over 40.
Will insurance cover it?
Most insurance companies don’t cover bariatric surgery. Those that do require the patient to meet some standards which include a BMI of at least 35 and also suffer from at least two conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
If you have tried different methods of weight loss without success, bariatric surgery Houston might be the solution. Call 1st Choice weight loss doctor at (281) 888 7767 to schedule an appointment.
