Qualifying for Weight Loss Surgery

Qualifying for weight loss surgery

To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, the National Institutes of Health has set minimum requirements for recommending weight loss surgery as a treatment option:

• Age greater than 18 and less than 60 years of age, based on doctor's discretion.
• 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition.
• History of documented dietary weight loss attempts.
• Lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, and medical guidelines with follow-up care.
• Psychological evaluation.

Together, you and Dr. Gorman will take steps to determine:

• If surgery is the right treatment for you.
• Which type of procedure is best for you.
• If you have, or will have, the necessary support system.
• If you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to diet and exercise habits.