Am I A Candidate?

The best candidates for surgery are those that want to use surgery as a very effective tool to help them manage their disease of obesity. The goal is to live better, healthier, and longer due to the resolution of obesity-related medical conditions. The decision to become a surgical candidate for a bariatric surgical procedure is based on the following:

CARRY EXCESSIVE WEIGHT?

​​Surgery is only offered to patients who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or greater with an associated serious medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.

Although most insurance companies only recognize the above criteria, on rare occasions, surgery may be an option for type II diabetics with a BMI as low as 30.

THERAPY COMPLIANT?

​You must be able to follow the advice and instructions of the surgeon – especially regarding diet and exercise after surgery. Changes in lifestyle, eating habits and exercise are required for success after the surgery.

UNSUCCESSFUL WITH DIETS?

​​You must have demonstrated a desire to improve your health with multiple attempts at medical regimens such as diets, controlled behavior, etc.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS?

​​Morbidly obese patients’ excess weight may have generated significant and permanent damage to one or more organ systems, resulting in associated diseases. For patients with a BMI > 40 (see calculator above) the risk of developing one of more than 60 known obesity-related diseases is so great that surgery is indicated.  For those with a BMI of < 40, other obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint disease, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux disease may be required to achieve insurance authorization.

Surgery is to be used as a tool. Your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes.  When trying to lose weight without surgery, 99% of patients fail, but with surgical intervention, there is over an 80% success rate for sustained weight loss.  If you meet the above criteria, for more information click here to register for an upcoming seminar online or in person.

RISKS OF MORBID OBESITY

Obesity and being overweight together rank as the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States and contribute to many serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and urinary incontinence. Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce the risks and occurrence of these diseases and more.

Explore Obesity-Related Health Conditions »

Visit Harbin Clinic Bariatrics to schedule an appointment or for more information.