Guide to Weight Loss Surgery Options

Everyone knows that eating right and exercising is the key to weight loss. However, sometimes it is just not enough. Some people need a little extra help to lose weight. Bariatric surgery may be the right option for these individuals.

First, determine your BMI (Body Mass Index). Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. For example, if you weight 76 kg and you are 161 cm tall the equation would be: (1.61 x 1.61 / 76). Your BMI would be 34. This is considered obese.

Several factors contribute to obesity including genetics, a seditary lifestyle and environment. For many individuals, weight loss surgery is the only way they will be able to lose the weight and improve their overall health and wellness.

There are several different weight loss surgery options. Gastric banding is considered the safest option. A band is fit snuggly around a portion of the stomach. This effectively reduces the size of the stomach and gives patients the feeling of being full. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but slow and gradual. Another benefit of the band is that it is adjustable. Patients work in coordination with their medical professional to taylor the band to their specific needs.

For other individuals, liposuction may be a better option. This is not a weight loss option, but a cosmetic procedure that removes fat deposits. Sometimes, irregardless of diet and exercise, some areas still maintain pockets of fat. Liposuction is extremely effective in the thigh and adomen region.

Some weight loss options are covered by medical insurance, while others are considered elective surgury. Be sure to carefully research all options; bariatric surgery is ideal for many patients.