What Are Bariatric Surgery Requirements? Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

If you’ve been looking into bariatric surgery but you’re not sure if it’s right for your situation, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Our bariatric surgery program includes our team of trained surgeons and staff that are ready to meet all of your pre- and post-operative needs.

It’s important to note that weight loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment. And the professionals at our hospital are dedicated to providing you the best follow-up care close to home, right here in Alabama.

If you’re considered obese by medical professionals, meaning that your BMI is 30 or above, then weight loss surgery may be a viable option for your health needs.

Understanding the Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery

To ensure the best outcomes and minimize risks, candidates must meet specific criteria before undergoing bariatric surgery. Let’s break down the general requirements:

Body Mass Index (BMI): Candidacy for surgery is higher for patients with a BMI of 35-49 if they also have a clinical diagnosis for weight-related health problems like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or severe joint pain. A BMI of 40 or more indicates severe obesity and qualifies you for surgery.
Previous Weight Loss Attempts: Candidates must provide evidence of prior weight loss attempts, including diet, exercise, and medications, to show that other methods have been unsuccessful.
Medical Evaluation: Blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with various doctors might be necessary to identify health conditions that could increase surgical risk. Candidates may also undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure they’re mentally prepared for surgery and subsequent adjustments.
Age: Many bariatric surgery patients are between 18 and 65 years old. However, there might be exceptions for younger or older individuals based on specific health circumstances.
Absence of Contraindications: Certain medical conditions, such as severe heart disease, advanced liver disease, or cancer, may contraindicate surgery. Additionally, a qualified physician must address any active substance abuse issues a patient has before allowing them to consider surgery.

Evaluating Your Suitability for Bariatric Surgery

At RMC, we take a comprehensive approach to assessing your candidacy, including consultations with surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Our process involves:

Medical History Review: Your healthcare team will review your medical history, taking into account any previous surgeries, current and past medications, and other relevant disorders presently impacting your health, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Physical Examination: This exam involves checking vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiration), body composition (weight, height, BMI), and overall physical health to ensure optimal health for the procedure.
Psychological Evaluation: It might explore your motivation for seeking surgery, your understanding of the risks and benefits involved, your ability to commit to long-term dietary and exercise changes, and any underlying mental health concerns that could affect successful outcomes.
Nutritional Assessment: A registered dietitian will evaluate your eating habits and nutritional status and recommend diet changes for optimal bariatric surgery results. These recommendations can include advice on portion control, nutrient-dense foods, and potential supplements to support your health during the weight loss journey.

Specific Requirements for Different Bariatric Surgeries

There are many different types of bariatric surgeries, each with its distinct candidate criteria. With so many variables, we recommend individuals consult their physician for the best plan of care for your specific needs.

Reasons Weight Loss Surgery Might Not Be Right For You

Your surgeon can delay weight loss surgery or cancel it altogether in the event of:

Severe heart, lung, and liver disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and blood clotting disorders may result in potentially life-threatening complications.

Mental health disorders—such as severe depression, anxiety, and eating disorders—can cause patients to lack the motivation, focus, functioning, or energy to maintain the post-op lifestyle changes for the best recovery and weight loss outcomes.

Weight loss surgery isn’t a quick fix—it requires a lifelong commitment to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and follow-up medical care.

Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant might have to delay weight loss surgery. That’s because pregnancy can complicate the surgical process, and weight loss surgery can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Due to developmental and health concerns, extremely young or old patients may be discouraged from the procedure.

Steps to Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery

Qualifying for bariatric surgery involves more than just a desire to lose weight. It requires careful consideration of various health factors and a commitment to improving overall wellness. Here are critical tips to boost your eligibility for weight-loss surgery:

Understand Your BMI Requirements

Surgeons will usually perform these procedures for adults with either a BMI of 40+ or both a BMI of 35+ and a severe obesity-related health condition (e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea.

Research

Find a qualified bariatric surgeon who performs the specific weight loss surgery you are considering. You can also attend support groups to get advice and encouragement from others who have undergone the surgery.

Manage Your Comorbidities

In the realm of weight loss, comorbidities refer to health conditions co-existing with obesity that can significantly worsen due to it. They include sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and depression.

Uncontrolled comorbidities can affect your eligibility for bariatric surgery, increase the risk of complications, and hinder your recovery process. Before planning bariatric surgery, physicians must take proactive measures to address comorbidities, such as taking all prescription medications as their doctor instructs and adopting healthy habits like stress management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.

Complete the Required Evaluations

An extensive medical evaluation of your eligibility and overall health is a fundamental requirement of bariatric surgery for all patients. This evaluation typically includes physical examinations, laboratory tests, and consultations with specialists to evaluate your cardiovascular health, respiratory function, nutritional status, and psychological readiness for surgery. Comprehensive preoperative assessments help identify potential risks and ensure surgery is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.