To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, patients should meet all of the criteria below, as established by the National Institutes of Health:
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 80-100 lbs or more over ideal body weight); or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with serious medical conditions related to obesity that would improve with weight loss.
Have attempted (and failed) previous weight loss efforts with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, or medications.
Must be able to understand the possible risks, benefits, and side effects of the procedure.
Must understand and be committed to the lifestyle changes necessary to succeed.
Must be committed to lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up. We expect that patients follow up with us for at least 5 years.
Must not have any medical, psychiatric, or emotional condition that would prohibit surgery.
Must be motivated and have realistic expectations of the surgery. Surgery is a tool to help you lose weight.
