Qualifications for Surgery

What Are the Criteria for Bariatric Surgery?

Surgery can be an advantage for many individuals who are struggling to lose weight and haven't seen progress through diet and exercise alone. However, surgery isn't right for everyone. To ensure the greatest chances of success with the lowest possible risk, guidelines were outlined by the National Institutes of Health in 1991. These include:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or
• A BMI of 35 or higher coupled with weight-related medical conditions like type two diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and debilitating joint pain.

Many physicians also like to see a history of dedicated weight loss efforts, adherence to a diet and exercise routine prior to surgery, psychological testing to ensure mental preparedness for surgery, and the ability to commit to the lifestyle changes required after a weight loss procedure.

It is important to note that meeting the basic qualification for surgery doesn't necessarily indicate approval. Further, not all procedures are made equal. Your surgeon will work closely with you to determine which surgical avenue is right for you.

While the requirements set in place by the NIH were logical in 1991, the state of medicine has changed greatly over the last several decades. Bariatric surgery is no longer primarily performed in an open manner; with innovations in minimally-invasive surgery, weight loss surgery is approximately 20 times safer than it used to be, leading some bariatric surgeons to lessen the criteria required for surgery.

For example, bariatric surgery for the purposes of diabetes management may be recommended for those with a BMI as low as 27, leading to a vastly different approach to how and when surgery is performed. As the necessary gastric sleeve qualifications and gastric bypass qualifications continue to change, more and more patients are able to find relief through bariatric procedures. With the rising rates of overweight and obese individuals throughout the United States, these fluctuations in qualifications may result in beneficial opportunities for a greater proportion of the American population.

While surgeons and bariatric physicians may be flexible with the standard criteria for bariatric surgery, insurance companies may not be willing to cover procedures that do not fit stated qualifications. If you are considering bariatric surgery but are not a candidate for insurance coverage, our team is happy to help you discuss self-pay discounts and financing options. Even if your insurance covers a portion of your surgery, we are still willing to work with you to keep your surgery as affordable as possible.

If you meet the criteria for bariatric surgery and would like to discuss your options, Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center can help you make the best possible choice. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation or register for one of our free bariatric surgery seminars!