Are You A Candidate?
In the 1991 consensus panel of surgery treatment of obesity, the National Institute of Health created the following eligibility guidelines for bariatric surgery:
- Be at least 100 lbs above your ideal body weight or
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or over. Click HERE to calculate your BMI.
- If Body Mass Index is below 40, you must be a high-risk candidate with at least two significant comorbidities.
- All patients must have failed other conservative treatment options that encompasses a dietary regimen, appropriate exercise, and behavioral support and modification.
Exclusion Criteria
- Obesity related to a metabolic or endocrine disorder
- History of substance abuse or untreated major psychiatric disease
- Surgery contraindicated or risks outweigh the benefits
- Women who want to become pregnant before 18 months
- Patient’s younger than age 16
- Patient’s older than age 60
Patient Checklist of Preoperative Tests
These tests are required for all patients:
- Chest x-ray within 6 months
- EKG within 3 months
- Psych Evaluation within 1 year
Labs as follows:
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- CBC with Differential and Platelets
- Liver Function test or Hepatic Panel
- Thryoid Function test – TSH with free T4
- Amylase
- Lipase
- Lipid panel