Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery

The National Institutes of Health sets minimum requirements for recommending bariatric surgery as a treatment option:¹

• 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition

Other qualifying factors may include:

• History of documented dietary weight loss attempts

• Lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, and medical guidelines and follow-up care

• Psychological evaluation

Together, you and your bariatric surgeon take steps to determine:

• If surgery is the right treatment for you

• Which type of procedure is right for you

• If you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes

• That you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you

Expect the prequalification process to include a series of tests. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead. 

If you believe bariatric surgery would improve your health and well-being, contact a bariatric surgeon to begin a conversation and start the prequalification process.

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References

1 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Rationale for the Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity. [Online] 8 April 1998. <www.asbs.org/html/ration.html>.