Should You Consider Bariatric Surgery?

Perhaps you’ve tried every diet and exercise routine under the sun. And yet, the weight just doesn’t want to budge. If you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of dieting, then regaining the weight, you may be considering bariatric surgery. 

Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program is a nationally recognized weight loss (bariatric) surgery program designed to meet your every need. Located at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, we are a fully accredited Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery.

Our commitment is to you and to high-quality weight loss surgery. Our expert weight loss surgeons have performed more than 8,000 procedures – more than any other physician group in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC regions.

If you’re thinking about getting weight loss surgery, ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I ready for this change?

Bariatric surgery will help you lose weight, but it’s also a commitment to a lifestyle change. Your bariatric team will recommend an eating and exercise plan to follow after surgery. Sticking to that plan helps you maintain your weight loss.

The good news is you won’t do it alone. You’ll have plenty of encouragement along the way from all of the professional support services we have available.

2. Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Talk to your primary care doctor about bariatric surgery. Your doctor can help you decide if this surgery is your next weight-loss option.

Typically, doctors recommend bariatric surgery for people with a:

• BMI of greater than 40 or those who weigh more than 100 pounds over their healthy weight
• BMI greater than 35 to 39 with a weight-related medical problem, such as sleep apnea or diabetes
• History of failed weight loss programs

3. Do I understand the long-term effects and risks?

While bariatric surgery may feel like a magic bullet, it’s major surgery. You may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and vitamin deficiencies after the surgery. Some patients develop infections, gastric bleeding or ulcers.

This information should not scare you. Thousands of patients have bariatric surgery safely every year. But it’s helpful to understand what may happen. Discuss all of your concerns with your doctor and bariatric team so that you understand the risks.

4. Have I thought about other options?

If you’re seriously considering bariatric surgery, then you’ve probably already tried different weight-loss solutions. Before bariatric surgery, you will most likely need to try a six-month diet that you document, particularly if you expect your health insurance to cover the procedure.

Whether you are having weight loss surgery or hope to lose excess weight through medical weight loss program, we can answer your questions. Our multidisciplinary approach provides all the support and assistance you will need, from preparation through follow up and postsurgery lifestyle changes.

5. Have I thought about how to share this news with friends and family?

Sudden weight loss is different than a typical diet: people will notice almost immediately. You will have to take time off from work to recover from surgery. And since you need to change your eating habits, your friends and family may notice. Hopefully, everyone in your life will support your decision, but some may challenge you or disagree. That lack of support may make you question your decision.

Discuss this decision with some trusted friends and loved ones. Many bariatric surgery centers hold in-person or online seminars so you can learn about their approach. Consider bringing along someone who will give you honest and empathetic feedback.

Managing health is a lifelong process. Bariatric surgery may be the next step in your weight management plan. Or maybe you want to think about it for longer. In either case, do as much research as you can, so you can feel confident in your choice. Learn more about Inova’s Bariatric Surgery Program.