4 key signs it’s time to consider bariatric surgery: joint pain, heart conditions, & MOre
Surgery is often the ultimate solution for addressing severe joint pain, heart conditions, spinal injuries, and obesity. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you’ve likely been told that surgery will eventually be necessary. The question then becomes less about “Do I need surgery?” and more about “When should I have surgery?” The timing varies for each person, depending on factors like your overall health, how your condition affects your daily life, and whether non-surgical treatments have been effective. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several indicators that can help you determine if it’s time to consider surgery.
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Gastric bypass is widely regarded as the benchmark for bariatric surgeries and is frequently performed. It’s typically advised for individuals who haven’t achieved weight loss through diet and exercise or face serious health issues due to obesity.
Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve: Key Differences
When You’ve Exhausted Non-Surgical Options
Typically, the first course of action is to try non-surgical treatments to manage the condition. For joint pain, this might include injections, medication, or physical therapy. For heart or spinal issues, non-surgical options may be more limited, but your doctor is unlikely to recommend surgery immediately unless there’s an emergency. In some cases, painful conditions can be managed without surgery. For example, a recent study found that a third of knee replacement surgeries were unnecessary because the patients didn’t have advanced arthritis. It turns out that surgery was only beneficial for those with severe pain and mobility limitations. If your attempts at managing the pain with non-surgical methods haven’t worked, it may be time to consider surgery. Similarly, bariatric surgery is often recommended after diet and exercise have been unsuccessful in managing obesity.
When Your Condition or Pain is Getting Worse
If your pain is intensifying, or your health condition is worsening despite non-surgical treatments, it’s a strong signal that bariatric surgery may be necessary. While some people delay bariatric surgery hoping that their condition will improve on its own, continued worsening of symptoms is an indication that the treatments you’ve tried aren’t providing relief. In this case, surgery can be an effective way to improve your condition, and with the right surgeon, risks are typically minimized. The most important thing to remember is that surgery can likely help alleviate your suffering.
When Your Quality of Life is Declining
Your quality of life is often directly affected by how much pain or discomfort you experience daily. When pain or health issues limit your ability to enjoy life, it impacts everything from physical comfort and mobility to emotional well-being. If you’re struggling with your health, it can affect your ability to maintain relationships, perform daily activities, or feel content in life. If your quality of life is significantly affected by your condition, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery as a means to regain your health and overall well-being.
When Your Doctor Recommends Surgery
After assessing the above factors, it’s essential to consult with your doctor about your options. Your doctor will recommend surgery if it’s deemed necessary, especially if other treatments have failed, your condition is worsening, or your quality of life is being severely impacted. However, your doctor’s recommendation is just one part of the equation. It’s important to be your own advocate and ensure your concerns and preferences are considered when deciding whether surgery is right for you.
Deciding that it’s time for surgery isn’t easy, but if any of the above scenarios apply to you, it may be time to take the next step.
Could This Be Right for You?
Wondering if bariatric surgery might be a fit? Start simple: take a quick Virtual Bariatric Tool Assessment. It’s private, takes just a couple of minutes, and could be the nudge you need toward hitting your health goals.
While some traditional insurance plans provide bariatric surgery coverage, Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health are an all-inclusive benefit offered by a select group of companies. The companies listed below are only some that offer the Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health benefit to their employees:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Hyatt
- State Farm
- Home Depot
- Hilton
- AutoZone
- Apple
- Dell
- EZ Corp
- Michaels
- 7 Eleven
- Encompass Health
- Woodforest Bank
- Waste Connections
- Greystar
- Allstate
- McKesson
- DaVita
- Albertsons
- Randall’s
- Plus Many More….
Don’t see your employer listed? Talk with your surgeon or contact Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health to find out if your employer offers the benefit.
Bettering your health may seem like a daunting and expensive task at first but it does not have to be. By using healthcare resources provided by your employer you can expect doctors who care for you and are the most trusted professionals in the industry. If you are looking for surgeons who are passionate about providing quality care for both bariatric surgery in Cedar Park, give us a call at 512-260-3444. As proud surgeons of excellence partnering with Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, and Carrum Health, you can gain access to procedures, treatments, and surgeries so you live a healthy and happier life.
If you’re ready to make a lasting change, we’re here to help. Learn more about our personalized weight-loss solutions by visiting bamedicalcenter.com.
B+A Surgeons
1410 Medical Pkwy, Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512)260-3444
