Am I A Candidate for Bariatric Surgery ?

There are several criteria to meet before qualifying for bariatric surgery. Morbid Obesity is most commonly calculated using BMI (Body Mass Index).  BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in square meters.  To calculate your BMI please use our BMI calculator on this page.  All insurance companies at this time require a BMI of 35-35.9 with at least 1-2 life threatening co-morbidities.  These include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.  If your BMI is 40 or greater, you may qualify without having any co- morbidities.  If your insurance carrier does not cover bariatric surgery, our office has several financing options available for you.   

When considering weight-loss surgery, you must balance the personal risk of being morbidly obese with the potential risk and complications of the surgery.   This treatment option is a tool that you will continually use to lose weight.  Surgery is a resource to help you reduce your weight.  Behavioral, physical and psychological changes are required for you to maintain a healthy quality of life.  Sustained weight-loss over time relies upon your desire and dedication to change your lifestyle with a proactive approach.

If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, you will be referred for evaluation and consultation with a psychologist.  Although this may seem surprising to you, it has become a routine part of your preparation for surgery.  A series of pre-operative test will also be performed.  Based on the results of these test, you may be asked to see other specialist as a clearance for surgery.