Weight Loss Surgery Criteria

Written by Jane Long

Imagine going into a doctor’s office and arbitrarily asking to have your appendix removed. You do not need it for survival. You might develop appendicitis in the future, and it will need removed anyway. If you want to get rid of it, and are willing to pay, why not? No offense. But, the physician might think you are nuts and call for a straight jacket. The same can be said for a bariatric procedure for getting rid of those extra pounds. You must meet weight loss surgery criteria.

What are the bariatric weight loss criteria? Will you qualify? Unfortunately, only your doctor can answer that question.

Although the National Institute of Health has 3 basic considerations, every doctor has the option to add his/her own requirements.

For example:

•    What is your Body Mass Index?
•    Are all other Alternatives Exhausted?
•    Do you Understand the Risks?
•    Are you Mobile?
•    What about your Age?

Finding a bariatric surgeon to take on your case can be a challenge. With such a risky procedure, many doctors do not feel comfortable performing the operation, if too many negative variables could result in a bad outcome. Not only will they be putting your health on the line, but their career is a consideration as well. But, if the surgeon is not comfortable taking your case, you want to look elsewhere anyway. You simply need to find someone with the experience to feel confident that he/she can provide you with the best health care possible.

What is Body Mass Index?

If you are already into health and fitness or body building, you probably know all about BMI. However, if you are struggling with a weight problem and not accustomed to exercise, you may be scratching your head in total confusion.

Essentially, your BMI is simply a mathematical formula to determine whether you are at a healthy weight, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. Understand, it is not judgmental in any way. The same equation can be used for anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or personal habits. It does not determine whether you are a good or bad person.

In fact, you can find out your own personal body mass index. But, you might be surprised at the final result. Many individuals can already tell they are overweight. But, it can be a shock to discover that obese is the proper descriptive term. For instance, you do not have to have a double chin or be constantly out of breath to be considered obese.

So, if you still want to find out, here are 3 simple math steps to come up with the answer. For the sake of example only, the equation is based upon an individual who is 5 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds.

Step 1: Multiply your height in inches by your height in inches.

    60 inches x 60 inches = 3600

Step 2: Divide your weight by the answer found in the first step.

    170 / 3600 = .0472

Step 3: Now, multiply that second answer by 703.

    .0472 x 703 = 33 BMI

So, what is your number? If your body mass index is over 25, you are considered overweight. If your number is over 30, you are technically obese. If your number is 40-50, you are considered morbidly obese, and may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery. For those who have a number over 50, a bariatric surgeon may feel the procedure is too risky.

No other Alternatives

If you are to the point of seriously considering bariatric surgery, you have probably been on countless diets and weight loss programs. Nothing seems to have worked and you are desperate. But, you doctor will go through your health history. He/she will want to make sure this procedure is truly the last resort.

Knowing the Risks

If you are already morbidly obese, you probably have health issues that would make any type of surgery riskier than for a patient without a weight problem. Have you really considered the inherent risks? Your very life is on the line. What if something goes wrong? Has the doctor talked to you about what can go wrong? Are you so desperate to lose weight that it outweighs the chances you are taking? You need to understand all the risks and benefits.

Mobility

Although it is not a criterion for all bariatric surgeons, your doctor may deny you surgery, if you are not able to walk. While that may seem like the main reason why weight loss surgery is so important, it also means you are at increased risk for blood clots and other complications that can be life-threatening. If you are more likely to die from related problems, you may need to find a doctor with more experience and a greater comfort zone.

Age

Unfortunately, some doctors will not even consider bariatric surgery if you are over 60. They feel that the inherent risks far exceed the potential health benefits of surgery. Also, the older you are, the harder it is to recover from such a drastic procedure.

Now, you know the weight loss surgery criteria your doctor will be considering when he/she reviews your case. You must meet the first 3 criterion before any doctor can realistically consider you for such a drastic procedure. But, understand that every physician has his/her own comfort level and thus have further requirements. You will simply need to find the doctor that is comfortable handling you case, if weight loss surgery is in your future.