Researchers discovered that people who underwent the surgery when their BMI was less than 40 were more likely to achieve a BMI below 30 compared to those with a higher BMI. A BMI of 30 and above is considered obese while a BMI of over 40 is extremely obese.

It is safe and effective

The lead researcher said that Bariatric surgery is safe and effective and even went on to recommend it for patients who are obese. He, however, says that putting off the surgery till your BMI is more than 50 limits the benefits of the surgery.

Very many American adults are obese. Bariatric surgery not only helps with weight loss but also improves obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and much more. Obese people are said to have a higher risk of premature death, which is reduced by the surgery. It is advised that just like any chronic disease needs immediate attention, so does obesity.

Who can undergo it?

A bariatric surgeon says that the people who have an option when it comes to bariatric surgery are those with a BMI of 35 or higher and with an obesity-related disease or a BMI higher than 40 without any condition.

The surgeon also says that if your BMI is over 30, just make arrangements to manage your obesity and if it is higher than 35, start planning to get an effective treatment which is often bariatric surgery. Only one percent of the people who are eligible to have the surgery actually get the surgery. This is due to the fear of surgery and refusal of many doctors to refer their patients for surgery despite the surgery being proven to be effective and safe.

In a study, data was collected on more than 27,000 patients who had undergone the surgery. After a year only about 36 percent of the patients had a BMI below 30, which was the goal. These patients are likely to have had a BMI below 40. Less than 9 percent of the patients with a BMI above 50 achieved the main goal. Once your BMI is less 30, you are likely to get a better fighting chance against all obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc.

What else do you need to know?

The type of surgery is also said to make a difference. There are procedures that permanently reduce the size of the stomach hence resulting to a healthier BMI compared to adjustable gastric banding, which is a reversible procedure.

Dr. Mitchell of Lenox Hill Hospital agrees that the earlier you get your surgery the better the results. He cautions that having surgery doesn’t mean that you get normal weight. He advises patients to consider benefits and risks of each procedure.

The more intense the procedure the greater the weight loss and so is the higher risk of side effects. The more the stomach and intestine are changed, the greater weight loss and lower chances of gaining weight but higher chance of bowel movements and need to consume micronutrients.

Weight loss at any stage of obesity is good and is encouraged. People with BMI above 50 were once at 40 before. Weight loss surgery might help prevent people from reaching BMI higher than 50.