Should I get bariatric surgery? It’s a question many people ask when they’ve tried it all, regular exercise, strict diets, even weight loss medications, yet the scales barely move.
Bariatric surgery is an effective weight-loss option worth considering. It makes your stomach smaller, so you feel full faster and stay full longer, helping you keep the weight off for good.
So, is this option right for everyone? And what about possible risks or complications? Let’s explore it all together in this guide from COS MEDCONNECT.
What Is Bariatric Surgery? How Does It Help You Lose Weight?
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, changes how your digestive system works to help you shed kilos. It can make your stomach smaller, limit how much you eat, cut the calories you absorb, or do all three. It can also improve many health issues linked to obesity.
What is Bariatric surgery?
Common weight loss surgery options include:
- Gastric bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes most of the stomach, leaving a slim, sleeve-like shape.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food you can eat at one time.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS): This is a more complex operation that combines elements of sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. It reduces how much you can eat and how many calories your body absorbs.
Bariatric surgery works in several ways. It can alter gut hormones, make the stomach smaller so less food passes through, or reduce how many nutrients your body absorbs. Many procedures use more than one of these methods. Specifically, these include:
- Reducing Stomach Size: A smaller stomach means you feel full faster and eat less.
- Less absorption: Some surgeries bypass part of your small bowel, so you take in fewer calories and nutrients.
- Hormonal changes: Surgery can lower appetite hormones like ghrelin and boost “fullness” hormones, helping control hunger and improve blood sugar.
Bariatric surgery works best when you pair it with good food, regular exercise, and lasting lifestyle habits.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery? Eligibility Explained
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing for people living with severe obesity. But it isn’t suitable for everyone. There are clear bariatric surgery eligibility criteria that your healthcare team will use to decide if this is the right option for you.
Should I have gastric bypass surgery? Whether surgery is possible depends on various factors.
Body Mass Index Criteria
- BMI of 40 or higher: You’re generally considered a candidate for surgery, especially if your weight is seriously affecting your daily life.
- BMI of 35 to 39.9: You may still qualify if you have a serious obesity-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or severe joint pain.
Worth Noting: BMI isn’t always spot on. If you’re very muscular, your BMI might read high even without extra body fat, because muscle is heavier than fat. It can also be less accurate during pregnancy, when weight gain is normal and healthy.
General Criteria for Bariatric Surgery Candidates
It’s not just about BMI. Doctors look at several other factors when deciding if bariatric surgery is right for you.
- Age: Most clinics accept patients between 18 and 65. This helps ensure you understand the commitment involved and have time to enjoy the long-term benefits.
- Weight history: You’ll usually need to show you’ve tried losing weight through supervised diet and exercise programs. This shows you’re committed to making healthy changes.
- Overall health: A full check-up with your healthcare team will look for any risks and make sure you’re fit enough for surgery.
Health Issues That May Strengthen Your Case
Bariatric surgery may be recommended if obesity is affecting your health, including:
- Type 2 diabetes: Surgery can improve blood sugar control and, in some cases, remove the need for diabetes medication.
- Sleep apnoea: Extra weight can cause sleep apnoea, where breathing stops and starts during the night. Weight loss after surgery often leads to better sleep quality.
- Severe joint pain: Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your joints, leading to pain and reduced movement. Losing weight can ease this pressure and improve mobility.
- Heart disease: Obesity increases the risk of heart problems. Surgery can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and support overall heart health.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Excess fat can build up in the liver, affecting its function. Surgery-driven weight loss can improve liver health and even reverse NAFLD.
As part of the Bariatric surgery eligibility criteria, a psychological assessment plays a key role. Bariatric surgery is more than a medical procedure, it’s a life-changing step that requires long-term commitment. This evaluation helps ensure you are prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for the journey ahead.
Tip: Bariatric surgery is a big decision. Open talk with your healthcare team and proper testing can show if it’s right for you. This also helps ensure you get the support you need for lasting success.
Bariatric Surgery Benefits and Risks You Should Understand
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing, helping improve both your health and wellbeing.
- Significant, long-term weight loss: By reshaping your digestive system, bariatric procedures help you eat less and feel fuller due to changes in gut hormones. With healthy habits, over 90% of patients keep off at least half of their excess weight long term.
- Better sleep and more energy: Shedding extra weight can ease breathing problems like sleep apnoea. You’ll sleep better and feel more alert during the day.
- Improvement in Related Health Conditions: Surgery can significantly improve or even resolve obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, and acid reflux.
- Better quality of life: Many people enjoy more confidence, easier movement, and higher energy.
Important to note: Results vary from person to person. Always speak with your doctor to understand the possible benefits and risks before deciding.
Bariatric Surgery Benefits and Risks
While today’s techniques make bariatric surgery safer than ever, it’s still important to know the risks of bariatric procedures:
- Nutritional gaps: After surgery, your body may absorb fewer nutrients. You might need lifelong supplements, especially vitamin B12, calcium, and iron.
- Surgical risks: These can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, hernias, or leaks at the surgery site.
- Lifestyle changes: You’ll need to stick to a high-protein, low-fat diet, exercise often, and limit alcohol. Quitting smoking before surgery is a must.
- Regular check-ups: Ongoing medical and nutrition reviews help prevent problems and keep your health on track.
How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery and What to Expect
Before surgery, you’ll meet specialists to check your physical and mental readiness. A psychologist will guide you through the lifestyle changes needed for lasting results.
According to 360surgery, about two weeks before, you’ll start a high-protein, low-calorie diet to reduce fat around your liver. The day before, you’ll switch to liquids only. Light exercise is encouraged, and your dietitian will help set a tailored eating and fitness plan for before and after surgery.
Prepare for Bariatric Surgery and What to Expect
What to Expect During Surgery
Weight-loss surgery takes around two hours under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep. Most are done laparoscopically (keyhole), which means smaller cuts, less pain, and faster recovery. The main types are Sleeve Gastrectomy, which reduces stomach size, and Gastric Bypass, which also changes how you absorb food. After surgery, you’ll stay at least one night in hospital and start walking soon to aid recovery.
Key aspects of post-operative care are:
- Stick to your diet plan. Start with liquids, then move to soft foods as your dietitian advises. This helps your stomach heal and supports healthy weight loss.
- Keep regular check-ups with your care team.
- Stay active, starting with gentle walks.
- Commit to long-term healthy eating, regular exercise, and a positive mindset for lasting results.
Get Your Bariatric Surgery Done at COS MEDCONNECT
If you’re considering bariatric surgery to improve your health and quality of life, COS MEDCONNECT is here to guide you every step of the way.
We connect you with top-tier hospitals in Vietnam, offering experienced surgeons, advanced medical equipment, and complete care from consultation to recovery. Our goal is to ensure a safe, effective, and comfortable treatment journey.
Get Your Bariatric Surgery
Why choose COS MEDCONNECT for your bariatric surgery in Vietnam?
- Affordable cost: From just AUD 11,500, including surgery, hospital fees, and post-op care
- Big savings: Up to 70% less compared to the cost of bariatric surgery in Australia
- Modern facilities: Operating theatres with advanced technology and strict hygiene standards
- Safe recovery: Dedicated medical team monitoring you throughout your stay
- Private rooms: Comfortable, quiet, and designed for optimal healing
Get in touch with COS MEDCONNECT today for clear advice and a treatment plan made for you.
Bariatric surgery can be a powerful way to improve your health and quality of life if you are living with obesity. However, like any major procedure, it comes with potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks, preparing well, and choosing a good clinic can help you avoid problems and get the best results.
At COS MEDCONNECT, we hope this information helps you feel informed and confident on your journey to better health.
COS MEDCONNECT – Australia’s cosmetic surgery coordinator in Vietnam
Hotline: 1300 163 821
Website: cosmedconnect.com
Email: hello@cosmedconnect.com
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. All surgery carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual results vary, and outcomes depend on factors such as patient anatomy, surgical technique, lifestyle, and post-operative care.
Always consult with a qualified, board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon before making decisions about surgery. This blog does not replace a personalised consultation, medical assessment, or professional guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.
COS MEDCONNECT does not provide medical advice or perform surgical procedures. We coordinate cosmetic surgery and recovery services with third-party providers. All patients are encouraged to seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner before proceeding with any elective surgery.
Jane is the founder of COS MEDCONNECT. She enjoys sharing knowledge about cosmetic surgery and is passionate about helping people find trusted providers
