By Dr. Rickesha Wilson
Let’s be real—deciding to have weight loss surgery is a BIG deal, and you’re probably wondering if it’s even the right move for you. You’ve tried diets, joined gyms, downloaded every weight loss app, and still… the scale won’t budge (or if it does, it doesn’t stay there). It’s frustrating and exhausting. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and I’m here to help you sort through it.
Here are 7 signs that you might be a great candidate for bariatric surgery:
1. You’ve Tried Everything to Lose Weight—and It’s Not Working
If you’ve tried every diet trend, counted every calorie, and spent more time on the treadmill than you’d like to admit—with little or no long-term results—it might be time to consider a different approach. Bariatric surgery isn’t “the easy way out.” It’s a tool to help you achieve the results your body hasn’t been able to on its own. This is not a simple willpower struggle, although leading a healthy life takes discipline! You are also fighting biology, and that fight requires tools to help you win!
2. Your BMI Is 35 or Higher (Or 30+ With Health Conditions)
Body Mass Index (BMI) isn’t a perfect measure of health, but it’s still one of the guidelines we use to assess the severity of obesity. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you likely have coverage by most major insurance carriers. If it’s 35+ and you have conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or PCOS, that also means surgery may be a right fit for you.
3. You’re Struggling with Weight-Related Health Conditions
If you’re battling things like diabetes, joint pain, acid reflux, high blood pressure or high cholesterol—and they’re tied to your weight—surgery could be a powerful step toward getting healthier and reducing your medications. Surgical treatment isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about being healthier and improving your quality of life.
4. Your Weight Is Impacting Your Daily Life
Whether it’s feeling out of breath climbing stairs, skipping events because you’re uncomfortable, or not being able to keep up with your kids or grandkids—it’s about more than just the number on the scale. It’s about your quality of life. And you deserve to feel good in your body. Imaging not having to think twice about what you do day to day, where you go, or how you’ll get there? You just do what you want to do. That’s freedom you deserve and should pursue!
5. You’re Mentally and Emotionally Ready for Change
Surgery is just the beginning. Long-term success means being ready to shift your mindset, eating habits, and relationship with food. What would it be like to know that you’re in control of “food” and “your weight” instead of those things controlling you? If you’re in a place where you’re ready to commit, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
6. You Understand the Risks and Rewards
Like any medical procedure, weight loss surgery has risks—but so does staying where you are! There’s the pain of change, and then there’s the pain of staying the same! For me, the latter is worse. If you’re open to learning about both sides and having an honest conversation about your options, that’s a huge step in the right direction.
7. You’re Ready to Put Yourself First (Finally!)
This one’s big. So many of my patients—especially women—put everyone else first – family, colleagues and clients, other people’s opinions. But your health matters. Your energy matters. Your future matters. Choosing surgery isn’t selfish. It’s self-care at the highest level.
Ready? Let’s Talk.
If you found yourself nodding through this list, I’d love to meet you. I know this decision can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to answer your questions, keep it real, and support you through the process—judgment-free!
Your journey is yours to define. And it can start today.