If diet, exercise and drug therapy fail in the treatment of obesity, the remaining option is surgery. Although it is difficult to make a decision for obesity and metabolic surgery, you can feel more confident having the right information when making a decision. Below are the most important steps in the decision-making phase.

1. Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

There are many criteria that determine that a patient is a candidate for bariatric surgery. In general, these criteria are mainly:
The failure of efforts to lose weight with diet and exercise
The patient's BMI is 40 or above
The patient has a BMI of 35-39.9 and has a serious obesity-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. In some cases, patients with a BMI of 30-35 experiencing serious obesity-related health problems may be candidates for certain types of bariatric surgery.
Absence of hormonal diseases
Failure to apply traditional methods such as diet and exercise to lose weight
Obese patient feeling ready for a healthy and active lifestyle
Absence of any health problems that may cause serious complications during or after the surgery
Being knowledgeable about the benefits and risks of surgical options Being 18 years of age or older. However, in special cases, the age limit can be reduced to 16.

2. Information

As an examination to an bariatric surgeon or his team, the status of obesity and accompanying diseases must be determined. You have to participate if there is a possibility of a consultation program or a seminar. If these options are not available, you can access this information about the "websites on obesity". These keep you well-informed on the options for bariatric and metabolic surgery, as well as the benefits and risks of each method. Having enough information will make it easier for you to make the right decision.

3. Do insurance and SSI cover bariatric and metabolic surgery?

Private insurance institutions generally exclude bariatric and metabolic surgery procedures. SSI partially covers obese people with a BMI over 40, if an indication is given by a committee including an endocrinologist.

4. Finding the right surgeon and team

In addition to choosing the doctor who performs the bariatric and metabolic surgery, it is very important to choose the assistant staff who will help you. If you choose the whole team correctly, you will feel more comfortable and safe. Take the time to find a well-qualified surgeon who is close to you and has a good supportive staff. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the doctor's experience, your post-operative lifestyle, and anything else that worries you.
The most important criteria for choosing a surgeon
You should have surgery in a center where excellent preoperative and postoperative care can be provided.
The surgeon should have successful laparoscopic experience in gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band and plication surgeries.
Does the surgeon have the experience to treat complications that may arise after surgery?
Ask any questions that come to your mind and talk to previous patients to build your confidence in a bariatric surgeon.
Are the surgeon's staff qualified to help you stay relaxed, comfortable, and motivated?
When the above criteria are met, of course, the cost should also be taken into account.