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. 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: www.bariatricsurgeons.com/home.htm   

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.