Considering weight loss surgery?

Make sure you do your homework first! By Judy Dowd, MA, RD, LDN Owner, Nutrition Dynamics, Inc. Special to PRIME If you or someone you care about is contemplating weight loss surgery, here is a checklist that is required in order for you to make an informed decision. Are you a good candidate? Not every person who is obese should have "bariatric" surgery (from the Greek word for weight, barios). In fact, only a small percentage of this population will qualify. Medical insurance requires that your body mass index (BMI) be 40 or greater, and some weight-related illnesses must be present or be in your family history. If you already have diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease, you may qualify with a BMI of 35 or greater. You are justified in looking into the possibility of surgery only if you have really tried to lose weight through diet and exercise. Some overweight people repeatedly regain more than what they lost on a diet, despite arduous efforts. Surgery is the very last resort in every case. Check out your team Meeting and evaluating the personnel listed below is an important early step in the process. It is crucial that they function as a team and that they meet on a regular basis to review different aspects of the program. Many things can go wrong with the surgery process if every part is not well planned and evaluated. Surgeon: The recommendation is that this specialist has performed 100 or more of these procedures and continues to do them on a regular basis. Nurse: An experienced nurse who functions on the team is essential. Nutritionist: This should be a licensed dietitian who has experience in bariatric surgery. Make certain that nutrition services will be provided by this team member for at least one year after surgery. Psychologist/Psychiatrist: This professional must have experience in bariatric surgery and/or eating disorders. This person makes sure you are fully informed of what to expect from surgery and that your reasons for wanting surgery are valid. Despite the inevitable weight loss that results, many "inner ghosts" may come haunting and must be dealt with, and this person can continue working with you after surgery if needed. Support group: Although there are web sites that provide information and support, the internet is characteristically impersonal. Experiential group meetings can be much more effective in supporting those going through a life-altering transition such as this. Make sure there are meetings provided by the surgery program. It's not ann overnight miracle Expect a comprehensive screening process and that members of the team will follow you afterwards for at least one year or longer, if needed. Even those who qualify for surgery should expect to be asked to demonstrate their commitment to the process by changing behaviors and losing some weight before surgery can be scheduled. Be very suspect if you are told that surgery can be scheduled before all of the steps described here are taken. A successful outcome depends on adequate preparation. Morbid obesity alone does not indicate that surgery will be the proper treatment. Column provided to PRIME by Judy Dowd, MA, RD, LDN, nutrition coach and owner of Nutrition Dynamics, Inc. She specializes in weight management, nutritional needs of diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal diseases and eating disorders. Nutrition Dynamics, Inc. 780 Chestnut St., Suite 21, Spfld. 01107. 413-731-7031. e-mail:nutritiond@aol.com