Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic and weight-loss surgery, can be a life-changing treatment for people with obesity. Understanding the eligibility criteria can help you determine if this option might be right for you.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Requirements
You may be a candidate if you have:
- BMI of 40 or higher – regardless of other health conditions
- BMI of 35 or higher – with one or more serious obesity-related health conditions
- BMI of 30 or higher – specifically for people with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control with medications and lifestyle changes
Don’t know your BMI?
BMI measures body fat based on your height and weight. You can calculate your BMI using our online calculator. You can also give us a call and a support team member will answer any questions you have.
You can learn more from the National Heart, Blood, and Lung website at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/calculate-your-bmi
BMI Calculator
Obesity-Related Health Conditions
If your BMI is 35 or higher, surgery may be recommended if you have one or more of these significant health problems:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Sleep apnea
- High cholesterol or other blood fat abnormalities
- Heart disease
- Severe arthritis
- Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Additional Requirements
Beyond BMI and health conditions, you should also meet these important criteria:
Previous Weight Loss Attempts
You should have tried multiple supervised weight loss approaches that included dietary changes, behavioral modifications, and medical therapy, without achieving lasting success.
Realistic Expectations & Motivation
You should have realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcomes and demonstrate motivation to make necessary lifestyle changes.
Lifelong Commitment
You must be prepared for a lifelong commitment to significant lifestyle changes and ongoing medical follow-up care.
Comprehensive Evaluation
You should be willing to undergo evaluation by a multidisciplinary team that typically includes medical, surgical, nutritional, and psychological experts.
Important Considerations
Surgery is a serious decision. Before considering bariatric surgery, ask yourself:
- Have I been unable to lose weight or keep it off using other methods?
- Do I understand what the operation involves and its risks and benefits?
- Am I prepared for how my eating and physical activity patterns will need to change after surgery?
Weight-loss surgery can help you lose significant weight and improve many health problems related to obesity, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, like any surgery, it involves risks and requires major lifestyle changes.
Next Steps
If you think you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery, the next step is to contact us. Our experienced support team will help you assess whether you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
Additional information about weight-loss surgery, including types of procedures, benefits, risks, and what to expect, can be found at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Complete Guide to Weight-Loss Surgery
Ready to Transform Your Life?
Take the first step toward lasting health and wellness.
Contact Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates today to schedule your consultation and learn about attending Dr. Machado’s informational webinar. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey.
Call us now or use our online contact form to get started.