Not everybody is an acceptable candidate for bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery. Typically, bariatric surgery is seen as the last resort – where medical intervention is needed to mitigate the high-risk caused by obesity.

Qualification Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery

Procedures may differ. A gastric sleeve for instance has fewer requirements than gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery.

#1 – Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight Loss Surgery is intended for people who have a high BMI (Body Mass Index), typically 30.0 or higher. People below this BMI are not considered good candidates. If you’ve not tried traditional forms of weight loss (diet and exercise) and failed to use these techniques, then you’re not considered for bariatric surgery.

#2 – Obesity-Related Health Problem

People who suffer from obesity caused by genetic factors could be considered good candidates. Individuals who have a serious, elevated risk for disease or a life-threatening condition because of their obesity – are considered good candidates for weight loss surgery.

#3 – Age

There are typically age restrictions to bariatric surgery; 18-65 years old are acceptable candidates for bariatric surgery. Yet, some individuals under 18 could be eligible for weight loss surgery – depending on their BMI and risks associated with their overall health.

# 4 – Additional Requirements

Other requirements for bariatric surgery could include people who are not addicted to drugs and have good mental health.

Good candidates are considered if their obesity has existed for over five years. Candidates who’ve been considered obese (based on BMI) for only a few years may not be considered candidates for bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Candidate Information

Only a professional, qualified bariatric physician or surgeon can tell you if you are a good patient for weight loss surgery. So talk to a specialist today and discuss the different weight loss surgery options, weight loss surgery insurance options, and the average cost of bariatric surgery.

Patient information on bariatric surgery may be required for candidacy. Knowledge of the risk factors associated with bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery expectations is sometimes required for candidacy.

Take a Quiz to See if You Qualify

Are you coming close to meeting these requirements for weight loss surgery? Contact a weight loss specialist.

It may be helpful to talk to an exercise physiologist, dietician, and plastic surgeon for additional opinions about your procedure options.