Bariatric surgery, a weight-loss procedure, is designed to help individuals with severe obesity achieve significant and sustained weight loss. It involves various techniques such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, which reduce the stomach’s size and limit food intake.

In India, obesity is a growing concern, with studies indicating that nearly 5% of the population is severely obese. Bariatric surgery has become increasingly popular, offering a viable solution for weight loss and improving related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

If you are struggling with severe obesity and associated health problems despite diet and exercise, consult a healthcare provider to explore bariatric surgery as a potential option.

Here are key indicators that this weight-loss surgery might be needed:

1. Severe Obesity: A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, indicating severe obesity, is a primary criterion for bariatric surgery.

2. Obesity-Related Health Conditions: Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease, which are exacerbated by obesity, may warrant surgical intervention when lifestyle changes are insufficient.

3. Joint Pain and Mobility Issues: Chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis, and difficulty in mobility due to excess weight can significantly impair quality of life, suggesting the need for weight-loss surgery.

4. Failed Weight-Loss Attempts: Inability to achieve or maintain significant weight loss through diet, exercise, and medical treatments over an extended period may indicate the necessity of bariatric surgery.

5. Psychological Distress: Severe obesity often leads to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can improve with substantial weight loss achieved through surgery.

6. Respiratory Problems: Conditions like obesity hypoventilation syndrome and severe asthma, worsened by excessive weight, can also be indicators for considering bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is not for everyone who is extremely obese. To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you may need to follow specific medical standards. To determine your eligibility, you will most likely go through a thorough screening process. You must also be willing to make permanent adjustments in order to live a healthier lifestyle.