In order to determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, certain guidelines must be followed. These guidelines have been determined by nationally accredited organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, insurance companies, and the physicians here at Advanced Bariatrics. These eligibility requirements for weight loss surgery can include the following:
- BMI above 35, or 30-34.9 with at least 1 significant co-morbidity
- Documentation of failed medically managed weight-loss program (Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc.) *(Not all insurers require this.)
- Healthy enough to undergo a major operation
- Understands surgery and risks
- Absence of drug and alcohol problems for 1 year
- No uncontrolled psychological conditions for 1 year
- Consensus by the Advanced Bariatrics surgical team
- Dedicated to a lifestyle change and lifetime follow-up
- Maintain a commitment to attend all scheduled appointments
