Guidelines
Before you can undergo weight loss surgery, your surgeon must determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Candidates for weight loss surgery are people who are between the ages of 18 and 72 years old who are more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight or have a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 40 and have one or more medical conditions associated with obesity, or who have a BMI over 40. Those with a BMI of 30+ may be eligible for self-pay LapBand or Gastric Sleeve.
People who have seriously attempted to lose weight without success are typical candidates for surgery. Each person's candidacy is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so depending on your physical health and other factors, you may qualify for surgery even if some of these criteria are not met.
Certain tests are needed to determine your candidacy. You may need to see a psychologist to evaluate your mental health and to ensure you have reasonable expectations for your surgery. A registered dietitian will help you make a plan to adopt healthy eating habits so your nutritional needs can be met following your surgery. Your surgeon may also refer you to other specialists to conduct these tests, which will determine whether you are healthy enough to undergo surgery or to determine if special measures should be taken to ensure your safety during surgery.
By going through the process to determine whether or not you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, the surgical team is also able to review your medical history and your current health. Once you are cleared to have the surgery, the surgical team will be able to make considerations for whatever needs you may have during surgery. This ensures that you will have optimal chances for success following your surgery.
Next step: Calculate your BMI
or, contact us for a consultation.
To ensure that you are informed of the changes to your lifestyle that you will need to make, you should meet with a surgeon and be prepared with a list of questions to ask about the surgery. The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be given time and careful consideration.
As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries certain risks. Much of the procedure's success is dependent upon the patient.
Body Mass Index
Free Seminar Registration
If you are interested in learning more about Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Gastric Banding – LapBand®, and Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve procedures, we invite you to attend one of our complimentary informational seminars.
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