Benchmarks for Having Bariatric Surgery

Each candidate for bariatric surgery must meet criteria set by the National Institutes of Health and American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery to be considered for the procedure.

A team of specialists at Sierra Surgery Hospital will conduct a thorough evaluation of your physical and mental status in addition to reviewing your medical history.

The following are requirements for being considered as a candidate for bariatric surgery:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
• BMI between 35 and 40 with accompanying potentially life-threatening medical problems, including heart diseases, high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea, or other serious cardiopulmonary disorders. In certain instances, you may also be a candidate for this type of surgery if you have a BMI of 30-34.9.
• Patients have attempted a variety of documented nonsurgical approaches to weight loss, including diet, exercise, medications.
• Understanding of the procedures, the various types and potentially serious complications of undergoing surgery.
• Your weight is affecting your quality of life, restricting you from performing daily routines, and enjoying activities with your family.
• Committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including changes in diet and exercise
• Committed to medical follow-up and monitoring
• Committed to making dietary changes, including reducing or avoiding high sugar foods, carbonated beverages and taking vitamin supplements