Bariatric Surgery


Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?

Aug 22, 2023


Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective way to achieve significant and sustained weight loss. It has been around for many years, and is currently the most effective, proven long term solution for significant weight loss. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for you.

Doctors look at Body Mass Index (BMI) and other obesity-related diseases (comorbidities) as an important criteria to determine whether weight loss surgery is a suitable option or not. Generally speaking, bariatric surgery is considered appropriate for people with a BMI greater than 40 or with a BMI greater than 35 and one or more obesity-related comorbidity. In certain circumstances, patients with a lower BMI, 30-34.9, may also be suitable candidates.

Weight loss surgery can kick-start your path to a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life. Patients can in many cases experience the benefits immediately after surgery. Examples of common benefits from bariatric surgery are:

  • 89% Reduction In 5-year Mortality
  • 82% Type 2 Diabetes Remission
  • 82% Asthma Improved or Resolved
  • 82% Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Reduction
  • 72%-98% Sleep Apnea Relief

Weight loss surgery or weight loss medication?

It is an exciting time in the weight loss field with new weight loss medication available to the public. However, weight loss medication can cost patients more than USD $1,000 a month and comes with mixed weight loss results and side effects. Common costs associated with these two options respectively:

  • USD $1,000 Monthly* Weight Loss Meds – 15-17% Average total body weight loss with Wegovy
  • USD $10,000 Total* Gastric Sleeve – 32% Average total body weight loss with bariatric surgery

At Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery, we understand that deciding whether bariatric surgery is right for you can be overwhelming. In the end, it is up to you to decide what suits your needs and conditions best, so we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss all possible options to help you make an informed decision about your health. Our staff are dedicated to walking with you each step of the way and helping you achieve sustainable success!  Contact us today!

1 Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Liberman M, et al. Surgery decreases long term mortality, morbidity, and health care use in morbidly obese patients. Ann Surg 2004; 240:416–423; discussion 423–424. 2 Schauer PR, Ikramuddin S, Gourash W, Ramanathan R, Luketich J. Outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Ann Surg 2000; 232:515–529. 3 DeMaria EJ, Sugerman HJ, Kellum JM, Meador JG, Wolfe LG. Results of 281consecutive total laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses to treat morbid obesity. Ann Surg 2002; 235:640–645; discussion 645–647 4 https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/02/19/anti-obesity-medications-cost/11069886002/ 5 Villela R, Correa R. 2019. Semaglutide 2.4 Mg (2022): The Latest GLP-1RA Approved for Obesity. Journal of Investigative Medicine 6 Rijswijk AS, et al, 2021. What Is Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Expressed in Percentage Total Weight Loss (%TWL)? A Systematic Review