According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the requirements for bariatric (weight loss) surgery are the same no matter what type you undergo. While weight loss surgery has proven to be an effective form of treatment for those who are severely obese, it is not an option for everyone. According to Lapband.us, there are certain criteria you must meet before you are considered a candidate for any weight loss procedure. The first step in the process is to meet with your doctor; together the two of you can decide if bariatric surgery is right for you.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
According to the National Institutes of Health, the organization which sets the requirements for weight loss surgery, if you have a BMI of 40 or more, you are an automatic candidate for bariatric surgery. However if your BMI is between 35 and 39, you must also suffer from another severe medical problem such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The NIH also states sleep apnea and heart disease as qualifying medical conditions.
Weight
As stated by Lapband.us, your weight also plays a role in your eligibility for bariatric surgery. According to the National Institutes of Health, bariatric surgery is an option for men who are a minimum of 100 pounds overweight, and women who are 80 pounds overweight. It is also considered for those who have tried losing weight through diet and exercise to no avail.
Age
According to both Obesity Resource Services and Lapband.us, you must be at least 18 years old to undergo any type of weight loss surgery. Lapband.us also states an age limit of 60. However this may be at the discretion of your doctor.
Health
Although you may be choosing weight loss surgery as a means of improving your overall health and well being, you must be fairly healthy to undergo the surgery. Certain conditions may render you unable to undergo any form of bariatric procedure. According to Obesity Resource Services, these conditions include, but may not be limited to, liver disease, alcohol and drug abuse and use, problems with your esophagus, previous bariatric procedures and psychological disorders.
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