7 questions to ask before making a decision
Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix for long-term weight issues and its related illnesses. However, it is one of the most effective ways to lose weight and treat those health problems. With hard work, dedication and long term follow up from a great team, it can be a transformative, life-changing experience.
As well as meeting physical requirements, there’s also a lot about being mentally ready and motivated to succeed.
Some people research for years before taking the plunge. It’s a big commitment. But your health and longevity should be the top priority!
Due consideration must be given to the following seven questions which will help you get ready to make a decision:
#1. Is diet and exercise really working for me?
You may have tried every diet available – WW, Atkins, Paleo, low fat, Whole30, intermittent fasting, Noom… the list goes on. If you have tried these, with or without short-term success, there’s unlikely going to be a miracle diet to help. The good news is, that if you’re able to modify what you eat in the long-term, through lifestyle adjustments, weight-loss surgery may help you see long-term results.
#2 Do I have a high BMI?
If your BMI is over 35, or over 30 with one or more weight-related medical complications, you are a candidate for weight-loss surgery. Once your BMI is over 40, you’re considered extremely obese, and it will be hard to get into a normal weight range with exercise and dieting alone.
#3 Is my weight affecting my health?
Aside from the physical restraints of being overweight – such as difficulty finding clothes, or not being able to keep up with your friends – there may be more serious health-related concerns as well. Such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnoea
- Poor circulation
- Aching limbs and joints
#4 How long have I been trying this?
As we age our metabolism slows down. Achieving lasting success with diet and exercise alone gets harder as we age.
This is where weight-loss surgery can help. You also need to consider risks associated with anaesthesia for individuals over 65. This doesn’t mean surgery can’t be performed outside of this range, it just means you’ll need to be evaluated by the surgeon to ensure the procedure will be safe.
#5 Am I prepared to make lifelong changes?
Bariatric surgery is just a tool to help you in your weight-loss journey. You still need to put in the work. The level of success you achieve will depend on what you put in. We have a dedicated team to help you in all the different areas, but only you can make those changes.
You also need to have realistic expectations, in regard to appointments, dietary transition, follow up, and long-term changes to your diet and exercise.
#6 Do I understand the benefits and risks of surgery?
Weight-loss surgery is a journey to better health, but any operation still has the possibility of complications. Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks, to make sure you’re well informed. You’ll also need to follow-up after the surgery to ensure you’re healing as expected.
There are also long-term complications once surgery is complete and you’re healed. You may suffer from issues such as dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through the small intestine, or reflux from the smaller sized stomach.
#7 Am I aware of the costs involved?
Most gold level hospital insurance will cover the in-hospital portion of bariatric surgery. There is still a package fee you’ll have to pay to cover some other expenses (like when paying your obstetrician if you have your baby in a private hospital).
You can also choose to pay for the surgery yourself, without the help of insurance. This can be done either through early release of superannuation or private funds. Our team can help with working out the best option for you.
