Am I a Candidate?

Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options.

As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with this procedure. If complications occur during the operation, your doctor may choose to perform open surgery.

Your doctor must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate.

Indications

Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for those patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

In certain circumstances, less morbidly obese patients (with BMIs between 35 and 40) may be considered for surgery (patients with high-risk co-morbid conditions and obesity-induced physical problems that are interfering with quality of life).

Important Considerations

Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options. The proper approach to weight-loss surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of the following with your doctor:

• These procedures are in no way to be considered as cosmetic surgery.
• The surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or excision.
• A decision to elect surgical treatment requires an assessment of the risk and benefit to the patient and the meticulous performance of the appropriate surgical procedure.
• The success of weight loss surgery is dependent upon long-term lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
• Problems may arise after surgery that may require reoperating.

Success of surgical treatment must begin with realistic goals and progress through the best possible use of well-designed and tested operations.