Our world-class bariatric surgeons at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angelesw can help transform your life with cutting edge technology in weight loss procedures. Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, offers potentially life-saving solutions for people who struggle with obesity. Some of the bariatric procedures available in the United States are gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, duodenal switch, and gastric plication. But these surgeries, while incredibly safe, do have some risk associated with them, and so there are certain requirements you must meet in order to be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Dr. Mehran Explains the Best Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
Age Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
You must be at least 18 years or older to qualify for weight loss surgery, although you may have a consultation at 17. Our surgeons will not perform any bariatric surgeries on patients under age 18, so younger patients seeking this type of procedure should contact dedicated pediatric obesity surgery programs.
Conversely, there is no maximum age for bariatric surgery candidates, provided the patient is physically fit enough for the procedure.
BMI Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
The best candidates for bariatric surgery have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or over. The BMI is based on a formula that factors in your height and weight. You can determine what your BMI is by using the BMI calculator on our website.
Patients with a BMI of at least 35 still qualify as candidates if they have a weight-related health condition that could be improved with bariatric surgery. Weight-related health conditions include diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, severe arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Since bariatric surgeries primarily help you lose weight, they also in turn can help alleviate these types of health conditions.
Candidates with a BMI of 31 to 35 technically do not qualify but may still be considered for the surgery, depending on an in-person consultation with our surgeons at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.
Lifestyle Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
Weight-loss surgery is a major, life-altering decision, and our bariatric surgeons want to make sure it’s the right option for you. That is why the best candidates for bariatric surgery, outside of having the appropriate BMI, are those who can prove that all other methods of weight loss have failed. Additionally, these candidates must demonstrate that they are ready to commit to healthy living, permanently, post-surgery.
Returning Bariatric Patient Requirements
If you’ve already undergone bariatric surgery and are interested in one of the following, then please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our top-of-the-line surgeons at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.
- You have had the gastric band (i.e. LapBand or Realize Band) and would like it adjusted or need other routine maintenance
- You have had the gastric band and are having problems, or you want the gastric band removed
- You have had another type of bariatric surgery and are having issues or need other assistance
Always remember that the best candidates for bariatric surgery are those who have struggled with obesity for an extended period of time and have been unable to find success in any other diet or weight loss methods, as well as those who have a BMI of 40 or higher.
Contact a Weight Loss Specialist in Beverly Hills Today
Our surgeons graduated from top medical schools and can help find the best possible treatment option for you. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our weight loss specialists, feel free to contact our Los Angeles weight loss surgeons the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence in Beverly Hills at (888) 391-0182.
Think you may be a candidate? Let us verify your insurance with our free insurance verification tool.
Next, read about eating habits after bariatric surgery.