Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery ?

Qualifying for bariatric surgery requires time, patience and organization. The qualification process is meant to help ensure the safety and comfort of the patient, while also being sure that bariatric surgery will offer the most effective weight loss outcome possible. Since every person’s circumstances are unique, the testing required before surgery can vary. The following are the commonly required criteria to ensure that the procedure is indeed right for the patient seeking weight loss surgery. 

• Age plays a critical role in qualification for bariatric surgery. The National Institute of Health guidelines stipulate that patients should be between the ages of 18 and 65 in order to have the best chance of successfully navigating the surgery and the requirements to be successful. However, there are many exceptions. Numerical age does not necessarily reflect physiologic age. There are many patients over the age of 65 that require the operation prior to joint replacement surgery, correction of other health issues, and remain active and vibrant. We consider each patient on an individual status based on weight, physiologic age, medical conditions, and risk factors. We will not offer surgery to those under the age of 18. 
• The BMI or Body Mass Index is a quick calculation to see whether or not a patient is a surgical candidate. The BMI is a calculation based on height and weight. Patients with a BMI of 35-39,presenting with one or more diseases associated with obesity, or patients with a BMI of 40 or greater, regardless of the diseases associated with obesity, may qualify for bariatric surgery. The BMI gives the patient, surgeon and insurance company an estimate as to whether a patient would be suitable for a weight loss surgery procedure. 
• Good faith attempts at weight loss through dieting and exercise are also an important part of qualifying for surgery. The patient may be encouraged to try dieting and exercise before they consider bariatric surgery. Most surgical practices and insurance companies will expect to see some form of documentation that the patient has tried and failed with more conservative weight loss methods. 
• The patient’s general health will also go a long way in determining whether or not bariatric surgery is suitable. The purpose of these diagnostic tests is to ensure that the risks of surgery do not outweigh the benefits. Testing, including heart, lung, kidney and liver function may be performed. Patients will also be expected to stop smoking well before their procedure. 

Among other qualifying criteria, a patient’s attitude, goals and outlook toward the post-bariatric surgery lifestyle will help us determine whether or not they are ready for surgery.