At Obesity Out, led by renowned Dr. Luis Cano, we strive to keep abreast of the most recent updates in the field of bariatric surgery. This allows us to offer the best possible solutions for those struggling with obesity in Tijuana, Veracruz and Tuxtepec.
In November 2022, important changes to the indications for patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery were unveiled during a meeting of the major bariatric surgery associations worldwide. In this article, we aim to break down these key updates to keep our patients and the general public well informed.
New Indications for Bariatric Surgery
The revised indications for bariatric surgery, based on information presented during the November 2022 meeting, include the following criteria:
- Age Candidates for surgery must be at least 18 years of age. There is no established upper age limit; however, each case must be individualized to ensure that the patient will benefit from bariatric surgery.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Candidates must have a BMI of more than 35 kg/m2, or a BMI of 30 kg/m2 if this is associated with a major comorbidity. These comorbidities may include type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, and joint disease, all of which are likely to improve after weight loss.
- Therapeutic Failure or Therapeutic Failure Candidates must have experienced a failure to lose weight or to maintain weight loss for a period of more than 18 months, despite receiving individualized and properly supervised pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.
- Rigorous Medical Control Individuals with metabolic and cardiopulmonary comorbidity must have demonstrated rigorous medical, clinical and laboratory control for a continuous period of more than 6 months.
- Decision-making Capacity and Family Support The patient must be able to make informed decisions and have an adequate family support network.
- Medical and Psychological Evaluation Candidates must be willing and able to undergo medical and psychological evaluations before and after surgery.
- Commitment Candidates must be committed to adhering to a nutritional and psychological follow-up and monitoring program.
- Preventing Pregnancy Women of childbearing age must accept a commitment to avoid pregnancy for at least one year after surgery.
Contraindications for Bariatric Surgery
Although bariatric surgery can be extremely beneficial for many, there are also contraindications that may make this option not the safest for certain individuals. Some of the key contraindications include:
- Unstable Coronary Artery Disease
- Portal hypertension
- Major Psychiatric Illness
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Cirrhosis or Other Conditions That May Increase Anesthetic Risk
- Congenital Abnormalities of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Current Pregnancy
- Multiple Abdominal Surgeries
- Complicated Incisional Hernias
- Endocrine Disorder Causing Obes of Obesity
- Serious Underlying Disease
- Symptomatic coronary artery disease
- End Stage Renal Failure and End Stage Liver Failure
- Alcohol Abuse and Addiction to Toxic Substances
These contraindications should be carefully considered before opting for bariatric surgery.
At Obesity Out, we are committed to providing safe and effective weight loss solutions. Each patient is unique, and we believe in the importance of a personalized approach to ensure the best possible results. If you have questions or would like to discuss more about the indications and contraindications of bariatric surgery, please feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier life.
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