The statistics surrounding weight in the United States are concerning: One out of three adults is considered overweight, and another one in three is obese. In other words, more than 70% of adults in this country are carrying potentially unhealthy weight.
There are several ways in which you can gain control over your weight. Weight loss surgery is certainly a viable one, and we offer it here at Rockwall Surgical Specialists. To determine whether you’re a good candidate, our team pulled together a few points to consider.
When it comes to determining if you may be carrying too much weight, a simple indicator is the body mass index (BMI). This tool measures how much fat your body contains by comparing your weight with your height (and sometimes gender). The resulting number then fits into one of the following categories:
If you’d like to calculate your BMI, simply click here.
It’s important to note that these numbers are only a preliminary calculation and that we take into consideration your health and circumstances to determine whether your weight may threaten your overall wellness.
Whether you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery depends upon several factors. The general rule of thumb for weight loss surgery is having a BMI of 40 or higher, but there are many instances in which weight loss surgery for BMI numbers that fall between 35 and 39.9 is beneficial.
For example, if you have a weight-related condition that’s causing health problems, weight loss surgery can play a valuable role. These conditions include:
Putting the numbers aside, we also take into account your previous weight-loss efforts. Surgery is a big step, and we want to make sure you’ve not only tried other options — diet and exercise, for example — but you’re ready for life after weight loss surgery.
If you’ve tried to lose weight, and given the effort at least six months, but you were unsuccessful, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. Your life after weight loss surgery will be significantly different, so we want to make sure you’re prepared for some serious dietary changes.
Rest assured that when you choose a weight loss program at Rockwall Surgical Specialists, we’re with you every step of the way. We provide ongoing support that includes nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, and lifestyle recommendations.
If we decide that you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery, we offer two types:
We place an inflatable band around the upper portion of your stomach, reducing its capacity and limiting how much you can eat. The band is adjustable and we can remove it at any time.
We remove about 80% of your stomach, reducing the amount you can eat while also better controlling the hormones that regulate hunger, feeling full, and blood sugar. This procedure is irreversible.
If you’d like to explore further whether weight loss surgery is a good solution for you, contact one of our locations — in Rowlett, Rockwall, Greenville, Forney, and Terrell, Texas — to set up a consultation. Call or book an appointment online today.
