Bariatric Surgery: Eligibility Criteria
In today’s time, excess work pressure and extended working hours make it difficult to maintain a regular fitness regimen. Making time for exercise in your schedule is harder than it seems. Added to this is the problem of increased consumption of junk food. It gives rise to health issues caused due to obesity.
Weight loss surgeries have gained popularity and are opted by people who need to lose weight for health reasons but have exhausted all other options for doing so. The surgery is also known as bariatric surgery and is commonly performed after being recommended by a medical professional. Doctors prescribe bariatric surgery to people as a last resort for reducing the weight of their patients and alleviating associated However, this surgery is not recommended for anyone who is obese. It may cause several complications and lifestyle changes that can be detrimental to an individual’s health.
This article will discuss the criteria for performing bariatric surgery on a person. We will also be looking into the bariatric surgery cost in India.
What is a Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, or gastric bypass surgery, is performed on patients whose body weight is beyond a specific figure commensurate with their body and height. Obesity is a causative factor for different ailments, such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, hypertension, and many more. Generally, these issues are addressed by altering one’s lifestyle and medication; however, in some cases, the doctors opine that decreasing the body weight is the way forward to address the underlying health concerns. It is when professionals recommend bariatric surgery to their patients.
Bariatric surgery costs in India are expensive as this procedure is still not common here. However, such operations are far more regular abroad as people suffer from serious health issues due to obesity. The procedure differs as per the patient’s requirement.
There are three main types of bariatric surgeries your doctor can recommend. They are:
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
Criteria For Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not suggested for everyone; it is specifically performed on people whose weight issues cannot be regulated through regular medication and exercise. Many patients wish to undergo bariatric surgery, but only a handful qualify for the same.
Following are the eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery in India:
- Patients who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) that is greater than or equal to 40
- For patients whose bodyweight exceeds their BMI score by 45
- A patients who have severe medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, sleep apnea due to their weight
- For patients who have been obese for an extended period and cannot lose weight the natural way
- A patients who are ready to make drastic lifestyle changes after the surgery
Every hospital and medical facility has certain specific requirements necessary to be fulfilled by a patient. If you have qualified for bariatric surgery, you have to make regular appointments with your doctor before and after the surgery. Make sure to research the bariatric surgery cost in India beforehand.
Who is Not Eligible for a Bariatric Surgery?
If you fall under any of the following categories, you are not eligible for bariatric surgery:
- A Patients who have not given proper attention to regular weight loss programs and techniques for losing weight
- Patients who do not have the physical ability to withstand a major surgery
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Outpatient who are not mentally fit to go through a major surgical procedure, which can cause changes in lifestyle.
- A Patients who have gained more weight during their evaluation for a bariatric surgery
- Victim who have not been able to keep their body weight in check.
- Patients with an eating disorder such as binge-eating, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, etc.
- A Patients with severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.
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Outpatient who have had a severe history of sexual abuse
- Patients who are unable to bear the bariatric surgery cost in India
Risks Associated with a Bariatric Surgery
Being a major surgical procedure, bariatric surgery has a lot of risks attached to it. You need to be aware of what is on the line before going through a life-altering procedure. Following are the risks associated with bariatric surgery:
- Death, in rare cases
- Clotting of blood
- Excessive bleeding
- High blood pressure during the procedure
- Asthma attacks during the surgery
- Reaction to the administered anesthesia
- Post-surgery infections
- Leakage of digestive fluids into the lungs
- Post-surgery issues can also include vomiting, hernias, ulcers, acid reflux, etc.
In conclusion, it is vital to know the detailed criteria for bariatric surgery before thinking of getting one done. First, you must contact your doctor or medical advisor and then decide whether you need surgery or not.