Is bariatric surgery for you?

Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach and/or intestines to help significantly obese people lose weight.

If you're considering this surgery but aren't sure if it's the right move, the American Obesity Association offers some guidelines. The AOA says you're probably a candidate for the procedure if:

• If you have a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
• If you have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a medical condition including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other cardiopulmonary disease.
• If you have tried weight loss through diet, exercise, and/or weight-loss drugs and are still obese.
• If your quality of life is suffering due to obesity.
• If you have difficulty completing everyday tasks such as cleaning, working and cooking.
• If you are willing to make needed lifestyle changes after surgery, including diet modification and starting an exercise programme.

- (HealthDayNews)