Who is a good adult candidate for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults who have
- a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, OR
- a BMI of 35 or more with a serious health problem linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea
- a BMI of 30 or more with a serious health problem linked to obesity, for the gastric band only
Having surgery to lose weight is a serious decision. If you are thinking about having bariatric surgery, you should know what’s involved. Your answers to the following questions may help you decide if surgery is an option for you:
- Have you been unable to lose weight or keep it off using nonsurgical methods such as lifestyle changes or drug treatment?
- Do you understand what the operation involves and its risks and benefits?
- Do you understand how your eating and physical activity patterns will need to change after you have surgery?
- Can you commit to following lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits, medical follow-up, and the need to take extra vitamins and minerals?
Source https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery/potential-candidates
