Are You a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery? 3 Requirements You Need to Meet

Weight loss isn’t always easy, especially for people who are considered to be obese. With more than one in three adults considered obese according to the CDC, bariatric surgery is becoming a more popular choice. Choosing bariatric surgery can change your life for the better. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for this type of surgery, though. So let’s take a look at a few requirements that potential candidates need to meet in order to qualify for bariatric surgery.

Meet the BMI and Age Requirements. One of the first things bariatric surgeons consider is the BMI (body mass index) of the person. In order to be a candidate for bariatric surgery, a person must have a BMI of 40 or greater, or have a BMI between 35-40 with health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and/or high cholesterol. Another requirement is the person must be between the ages of 18 and 69.

You have a strong psychological status. Having a strong mental health status is important because there are certain mental health conditions that could make it difficult to maintain the outcome of weight loss surgery. Conditions like depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse could contribute to weight-related health problems. Doctors want to ensure their patients are able to manage and treat their psychological stress appropriately before getting surgery.

There are health problems associated with the weight. Bariatric surgeons will look at health problems in two ways. First, any health problems associated with obesity like diabetes or high blood pressure will be considered on the list of reasons to go through with the surgery. But on the other hand, there are some health problems, like blood clots or heart problems, that could increase the risks associated with surgery. All health conditions will be considered and evaluated before surgical procedures are considered. This is why a detailed health record is needed before being approved for surgery.

Getting bariatric surgery can be a life-changing event. If you have struggled with obesity and meet the requirements for surgery, you may benefit from weight loss procedures. But it’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor before deciding whether or not bariatric surgery is right for you.