Is There a Right Age for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a great way to treat obesity. However, there are several factors that need to be considered and one of them is age. Every age group has different physiological and psychological needs that should be considered to ensure optimal outcomes.

Younger patients may have their own reasons for losing weight, while for older individuals, it may be the health conditions that need to be taken care of for which they require weight loss surgery. Let us understand the role of age for undergoing bariatric surgery in Delhi.

What Is the Minimum Age for Bariatric Surgery?

Different medical associations have set different minimum age limits for bariatric surgery. Most medical professionals dealing with bariatric surgeries often suggest that they treat patients who are 18 years or above. However, there are some medical institutions that perform weight loss surgery for paediatric patients – generally between the ages 13 and 17. Patients that are under the age of 18 are considered for bariatric surgery only if they are suffering from medical conditions that are impacting their general well-being.

As for bariatric surgery in older patients, most consider there is no cut-off age, it is generally advised that they are not over 70. Older patients tend to suffer from various medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, lung disease, etc. Older patients also tend to develop many complications post-surgery, like blood clots, infection, and sometimes bleeding. Moreover, sometimes, very old patients with medical conditions tend to take a lot of time to recover, which is often connected with complications related to anaesthesia.

Remember, a very small percentage of people tend to face complications and this should not discourage people from undergoing weight loss surgery. It is an effective treatment for obese people both old and young who fail to lose weight through various methods.

Elderly patients interested in bariatric surgery must first go through a comprehensive medical evaluation to see if they are a good fit for the procedure. A physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies and other diagnostic procedures may be part of this evaluation to determine the patient’s general health and any possible hazards related to the surgery.

Some Guidelines for Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

At least 100 pounds higher than the ideal weight or have a BMI of more than 40 – while this is a general criterion for all those who want to lose weight, it is a mandatory guideline for those who are below the age of 18.

The potential patients trying to undergo a weight loss surgery in Delhi should have a BMI between 35 and 40 with conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, heart disease or diabetes. This, too, like the above condition, is mandatory for an individual who is below the age of 18.

The patients have tried to lose weight naturally through medically supervised diet plans, exercise and behavioural modification programs without any success. They have tried everything, and if nothing seems to have worked for them, then they can resort to losing weight with the help of bariatric surgery.

All patients undergoing the surgery must commit to lifestyle changes post-surgery. They must understand that once they have undergone the surgery, they also need to take care of their health. Going back to their previous lifestyle of overeating will cause the weight to come back. They must make the necessary dietary modifications and include regular physical activity in their routine to keep the weight off permanently.

A Few Benefits offered that People May Experience After Undergoing Weight Loss Surgery

Depending on the patient’s age group, bariatric surgery offers many advantages. For individuals between the ages 18 and 30, bariatric surgery can assist young adults by losing weight, enhancing their general health and lowering their chance of developing obesity-related medical disorders.

Bariatric surgery can help middle-aged adults between the ages 31 and 50 improve or eliminate a number of obesity-related medical issues. Undergoing weight loss surgery also enhances their quality of life and boosts their level of mobility and physical activity.

For older adults between the ages 51 and 65, bariatric surgery can help in solving many medical conditions that are related to obesity. They may find improvement in their medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, hypertension, joint pain, and cardiovascular disease.