Are You a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?
BMI, health history and more — find out if you qualify
BMI, health history and more — find out if you qualify
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can be a life-changing option for people struggling with obesity and obesity-related health conditions. But how do you know if it’s right for you?
Several criteria help determine whether someone is a good weight-loss surgery candidate. Most commonly it is considered when other methods, like diet, exercise or weight loss medications haven’t led to lasting results.
Your physician can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure and determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
Who qualifies for weight-loss surgery?
Body Mass Index (BMI) uses weight and height to estimate body fat. A BMI above 30 is considered obese. A BMI between 35-50 marks morbid obesity. A BMI above 50 is extreme obesity.
You may qualify for bariatric surgery if you:
- Have a BMI of 40, or are more than 100 pounds overweight
- Have a BMI of 35 or more with one or more obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or fatty liver disease
- Have previously tried non-surgical weight loss methods without success
- Are willing and able to commit to long-term changes and follow-up care
“Many people who are overweight or obese spend years trying to take off the weight through diet and exercise but have no success. In those cases, weight-loss surgery can be life-extending,” says William Fuller, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery in Del Mar.
Types of weight-loss surgery
Your physician will recommend a specific procedure based on your health history, current medical conditions and prior surgeries.
The most common procedures are:
- Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy): Removes a large portion of the stomach to limit food intake.
- Gastric bypass: Reroutes part of the digestive system to reduce calorie absorption.
Both are typically done with minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery and less discomfort.
Risks and benefits of bariatric surgery
Like any medical procedure, weight-loss surgery carries some risks, but for patients with severe obesity, the potential health benefits outweigh the risks of remaining obese.
“It’s worth repeating that weight-loss surgery is a serious decision that is usually considered only when other efforts have failed,” Dr. Fuller says. “Generally, the patient has severe obesity, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes or another serious condition. In those cases, the risks posed by the surgery are greatly outweighed by the risks of being obese.”
Benefits include:
- Long-term weight loss
- Improved or resolved conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Increased mobility and quality of life
Insurance and pre-surgical evaluation
Before surgery, your care team will walk you through the following steps:
- Insurance verification and prior authorization
- A full evaluation, including nutrition and psychological assessments
- Educational classes and support group meetings
What to expect after weight-loss surgery
Surgery is just the beginning. To succeed, patients must follow a detailed care plan focused on diet, exercise and mental health. Long-term weight loss depends on your ability to stick to the lifestyle changes recommended by your care team.
“The whole point of weight-loss surgery is to help patients change their eating habits. It’s critically important that they have the motivation to do this,” Dr. Fuller says.
Weight-loss surgery requires commitment
Undergoing surgery without making long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle can lead to poor health outcomes.
“Weight-loss surgery is not an easy way out. It requires a deep commitment to the process before, during and after the procedure,” Dr. Fuller says. “For people who make that commitment, weight loss surgery can go a long way toward restoring good health.”
Weight-loss surgery is not a quick fix. It requires:
- Motivation and preparation before the procedure
- Discipline and support during recovery
- Ongoing lifestyle changes to maintain success
Are you a candidate for weight-loss surgery?
If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, you should start by consulting with a board-certified bariatric surgeon or a comprehensive weight management team. They'll assess your health history, review your options and explain the risks and benefits of surgery.
Look for a bariatric surgery program accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
At Scripps, the bariatric surgery program offers a full team to support you through evaluation, surgery and long-term follow up.