Who Is A Surgical Candidate

To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, we follow the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines that were set forth in 1991. Patients must attain a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 in the absence of any obesity-related medical diseases or at least 35 if one or more obesity-related diseases are present. For patient with BMI < 35, see below. Please use the BMI calculator to determine your BMI and see if you might be qualified for surgery. In addition, the patient must be an appropriate surgical candidate and not possess and inordinately high risk for surgery.

BMI Calculator: Check Your Body Mass Index

Our physicians will ensure that your medical diseases are appropriately treated and risk factors have been thoroughly evaluated and optimized prior to your undergoing surgery. Patients who are deemed too high a risk to undergo bariatric surgery will not be offered a surgical procedure until their risks have been mitigated. These patients will be offered matriculation into our comprehensive medical weight loss program.

We select patients who are motivated and are committed to changing their lives and complying with our dietary, exercise and medical advice. We expect patients to have made reasonable efforts at weight loss prior to surgery and that there are no correctable obesity-causing medical diseases. Patients with untreated psychiatric disorders or ongoing substance abuse issues will need to complete treatment prior to bariatric surgery.

For patients with BMI of 30 - 35, you may be a candidate for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding as part of a research study. For interested applicants, please see "BMI 30 - 35" section.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, you may contact us via phone during business hours (9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday PST). Otherwise, you may contact us directly using the Email Contact Form.

Mailing Address:                                                   

                      7060 North Recreation Avenue, Suite 101                                  

                       Fresno, CA 93720

Telephone:

                      (559) 431 - THIN (8446)

                      (888) 554 - THIN (8446)