Who Is Eligible for Surgery?

The medical criteria to qualify for bariatric surgery include:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 (use calculator at the bottom of the page), OR
2. BMI greater than 35, with at least one medical problem exacerbated by weight. Some examples of medical conditions that are understood to be associated with weight include:
   • Diabetes (Type 2, or insulin resistant)
   • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
   • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
   • GERD (Reflux Disease)
   • High Cholesterol, High Lipids
   • Degeneration of the knees or other weight-bearing joints

Additionally patients should be mentally prepared to make this life long change in their relationship with food and weight.

Limiting factors for bariatric surgery include:

• Medical history of psychiatric illness, poorly treated or controlled
• Patients with inadequate family/social support
• We currently do not perform bariatric surgery on patients under the age of eighteen

It is important to remember that each patient is unique. We provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of each patient. Including a consultation with Dr. Brakta, a dietician, a counselor, and a physical assessment. Some patients may require additional counseling or testing prior to being accepted.