Bariatric Surgery Qualification Criteria

Healthy Steps uses qualification guidelines published by the National Institute of Health along with other recommendations from national surgical societies.

If you are considering bariatric surgery, the following list should be considered as minimum qualifying criteria.

Age:

You should be between 18 and 65 years of age.

Body Mass Index:

Your body mass index (BMI) should be 40 or higher. This usually means you are at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight. If you have a BMI between 35 and 40 with serious medical conditions related to obesity that would improve with weight loss you may also be eligible. You can use this calculator to find out your BMI.

Serious medical conditions elated to obesity include:

Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Sleep apnea
Chronic respiratory insufficiency
Dependant edema
Metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X);
Chronic degenerative joint disease of knees, hips, ankles or back (including gouty arthritis)
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD);
Chronic depression as a result of obesity
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertriglyceridemia;
Gallbladder disease
Recurrent incisional hernias
Chronic phlebitis and/or chronic venous insufficiency

Failed Medical or Professionally Supervised Weight Loss Programs

You must have attempted (and failed) previous medical or professionally supervised weight loss program. Formalized weight loss programs may include diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, or medications.

Mentally Capable

You must be able to give informed consent for surgery. This means you must be capable of understanding the possible risks, benefits, and side effects of bariatric surgery. Additionally, you should understand the lifestyle changes necessary following bariatric surgery and be committed to making these changes. You should be prepared and able to adhere to long-term follow up after surgery.

Alcoholism, Chemical Dependency, or Chemical Abuse.

You must be free from alcohol or chemical dependency. A history of dependency does not prevent you from having bariatric surgery if you have been successfully treated and remained drug or alcohol free for a prolonged period.