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Site FeedbackSee If You Qualify For Weight Loss Surgery
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Ready for a change?
Fill out our Screening Questionnaire and see if you qualify for Weight Loss Surgery.
Come to a FREE seminar to discuss weight loss surgery options with our surgeons.
More information.
You may qualify for weight loss surgery if you are at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. This is the definition of morbid obesity. If you have a BMI between 35 and 40, you may be considered for weight loss surgery if you have weight-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, degenerative joint disease or severe, chronic back pain. These problems must be documented by your primary physician. The usual age range for weight loss surgery is 18-65. People with current alcohol or substance abuse problems are not suitable candidates. Ultimately, it is the surgeon's decision, after consultation and thorough evaluation, whether you will be accepted as a surgical candidate.
Ready for a change?
Fill out our Screening Questionnaire to see if you qualify for Weight Loss Surgery
To determine your body mass index (BMI), click here. Body mass index is a calculation that helps determine how your weight is proportional to your height.
For Sleeve Gastrectomy or Lap-Band surgery, the body mass index requirement may not be as strict because these procedures do not bypass any intestine and are considered lower risk than Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch. If you have a body mass index (BMI) between 35-40, but have no weight-related medical problems, you may still be considered a candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy or Lap-Band surgery. However, some health plans may not provide coverage. We offer self-pay packages for all weight loss surgery procedures.
Sleeve Gastrectomy or Lap-Band surgery can also be options for patients with a BMI over 40, with or without medical problems. These surgery procedures are also sometimes done as the first stage of a two-stage surgical treatment for patients with a BMI over 50 and major medical problems that could put them at unacceptable risk level for Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch until they have lost a percentage of excess weight first. Both Sleeve Gastrectomy and Lap-Band patients can later be converted to Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch if further significant weight loss is needed.
The age range for weight loss surgery at this center is 18 to 65. People with current alcohol or substance abuse problems are not suitable candidates. For all patients, a psychiatric evaluation and recent history and physical exam report from the primary care physician will be required prior to surgery, along with any tests or consultations the surgeon orders based on medical history.