Surgery Selection Criteria

Am I a Candidate?

There are a number of widely accepted criteria which make a patient suitable for Bariatric or weight loss surgery:

•  A major sustained weight problem
•  BMI > 40 by itself or >35 if there is an associated obesity illness, such as diabetes or sleep apnoea
•  Reasonable attempts at other weight loss techniques
•  Age 18 +
•  Obesity related health problems
•  No major psychiatric or drug dependency problems
•  A capacity to understand the risks and commitment associated with the surgery
•  Pregnancy not anticipated in the first two years following surgery

There is considerable flexibility in these guidelines. Patients as young as 12 have been offered surgery.

Sometimes a lower BMI between 30-35 is accepted if comorbidities exist.