Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Body Mass Index

Whilst the BMI does not perfectly represent your overall health, we generally use it to determine whether you would benefit from surgery. In addition to your BMI, we also want to look at any health issues you may have associated with excess weight.

If you have a BMI of 35 or higher, you are most likely suitable for weight loss surgery. If your BMI is above 30 and you have health conditions associated with obesity, you are also most likely suitable.

Your surgeon will assess you holistically, consider your medical history and lifestyle, and advise you on your best option. Sometimes, this will be surgery. Other times, medications are best.

Other Considerations for Weight Loss Surgery

Other factors required to qualify for weight loss surgery include the following:

• Failed attempts at nonsurgical weight loss: Candidates for weight loss surgery usually have a history of unsuccessful attempts at nonsurgical weight loss methods, such as dieting, exercise, medications and behavioural modifications.
• Age: Whilst there is no upper age limit for bariatric surgery, it is less common for your surgeon to suggest weight loss surgery if you are over 70. However, your overall health is a more important factor than your age. 
• BMI: There is also no upper limit for BMI, although, with very high BMIs, your surgeon may initially suggest other treatments to reduce your weight to allow for safer surgery.
• Medical history: Your surgeon and various preoperative evaluations will assess your overall health and anaesthetic risk and determine your eligibility for surgery. It is unusual for someone to be unfit for weight loss surgery.
• Commitment to lifestyle changes: Weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution but a tool to assist with weight loss. A commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments, is key to getting a good result.
• Smoking: Smoking both before and after surgery is not recommended. Smoking cessation is strongly encouraged preoperatively, and current smokers may be ineligible for some procedures.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For Me?

The decision to undergo weight loss surgery is an individual one. Most of our patients have thought about it for a long time before seeing us. We are here to facilitate your health goals and provide advice. We are happy to discuss all aspects of weight loss surgery with you so that you can determine whether it is a good option for you.