Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?

Unfortunately, being overweight can make it difficult to exercise and can lead to a range of potentially dangerous health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and depression. For those who have a history of struggling to lose weight, bariatric surgery may be an option to get back on a heathy track and allow you to live an active life.

If you are having a tough time controlling your weight and experiencing health issues as a result, you are not alone. Battling obesity has been an ongoing problem in the U.S. and around the world for decades. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 42 percent of U.S. adults were obese. In March of 2021, the American Psychology Association conducted a survey that found the same percentage of Americans had gained an average of 30 pounds since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in part due to increased stress, alcohol consumption and delays in medical care. Certain medications, inherited genes and age can also be contributing factors of someone battling obesity.

Research has shown that with surgical assistance, patients typically lose 60 percent of excess weight in the first year following bariatric surgery. Even better, 90 percent of problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and depression are resolved or controlled.

How do you know whether bariatric surgery would be a good option for you? You should begin by speaking with your primary care provider. Patients with the following characteristics are typically the best candidates for bariatric weight loss surgery:

• BMI = 40 or BMI = 35 with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint disease, high cholesterol or Sleep Apnea
• Age 18 or older
• Tried non-surgical weight loss methods without success

Committed to long-term lifestyle changes, including dietary, exercise and medical requirements

There are health assessments you can do online to help evaluate whether you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery. At MyMichigan Health, we offer an online seminar for patients wanting to have bariatric surgery in Alma or Midland and a Zoom seminar for patients wanting to have surgery in Sault Ste. Marie.  These seminars are designed to assist patients with determining which surgical option – sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass – would be best. It’s also important to find a surgical program that offers dietary support, fitness programs and support groups to help ensure your long-lasting success. Those who would like more information on MyMichigan Health’s Surgical Weight Management Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/weightloss.

Angela Munro, R.N., B.S.N., is the bariatric program nurse coordinator at MyMichigan Health.