Sydney Weight Loss Surgery Candidacy

Bariatric Surgery Criteria

Weight loss surgery is not an appropriate option for everyone. Bariatric surgery is not designed for people who simply wish to lose a small amount of weight or sculpt a certain area of their body. Instead, bariatric surgery is designed as a major weight loss tool to help individuals suffering from obesity who have a high body mass index (BMI) and/or obesity-related co-morbid health conditions.

Prospective patients who wonder if they are suitable candidates for bariatric surgery in Sydney can find general guidelines about candidacy below. However, only a certified bariatric surgeon with extensive experience, such as Dr. V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare, can properly establish if someone is an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. Individuals who are ready to take the next step in pursuing weight loss surgery in Sydney should schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzinkovas to determine if they can benefit from gastric bypass surgery, Lap Band surgery or gastric sleeve surgery.

The Importance Of Body Mass Index In Weight Loss Surgery Candidacy?

One of the determining factors that Dr. Kuzinkovas takes into account when identifying if a patient is an appropriate candidate for bariatric surgery, as well as which type of weight loss surgery the person would benefit from, is the person’s body mass index (BMI).

Although BMI does not specifically illustrate an individual’s percentage of body fat, it is a helpful tool for categorizing overall body weight according to accepted standards. For instance, a person with a BMI of 40 is considered morbidly obese. However, someone with a BMI lower than 40 may still suffer from morbid obesity if he or she also has at least one serious co-morbid disease or health condition.

BMI Guidelines

In general, the following BMI ranges correspond to the following weight categorizations:

BMI 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy
BMI 25 to 29.9: Overweight
BMI 30 to 39.9: Obese
BMI 40 to 49.9: Morbidly Obese
BMI 50 or higher: Super Obese

Am I A Candidate for Lap Band Surgery?

Lap band surgery candidates include individuals who are at least 18 years old and have conscientiously tried to lose weight with diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful or have experienced only short-term weight loss success. Additional lap band surgery requirements include patients who:

Do not have any other disease or health problems that may be causing excess weight gain.
Are prepared to make substantial lifestyle changes, including adjusting their eating habits.
Do not consume alcohol in excess.
Are not currently pregnant.

Do You Qualify For Lap Band Surgery?

To qualify for lap band surgery, patients must have a BMI of at least 40 (this typically translates to being overweight by 45.4 kilograms or more) or they must have a BMI of at least 30, are at least 13.6 kilograms overweight, and suffer from at least one serious obesity-related, co-morbid health concern.

Am I A Candidate for Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The criteria for gastric sleeve surgery are very strict. Appropriate candidates for a sleeve gastrectomy include individuals who:

Have a BMI of 40 or more. (This usually translates to being overweight by 45.4 kilograms or more.)
Have a BMI of 35 or more and suffer from one or more serious obesity-related co-morbid health concerns.
Are at least 16 years old.
Have seriously attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful or have had only short-term weight loss success.
Are not suffering from any other health condition that may be resulting in excess weight.
Are prepared to make significant changes to their lifestyle, including changing their eating habits.
Do not consume alcohol in excess.

Am I A Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Appropriate candidates for a sleeve gastrectomy generally include individuals who:

Are between 16 and 60 years old.
Have seriously tried to lose weight with no success or only short-term success.
Are not candidates for gastric bypass due to certain risk factors.
Do not have any other health problems that may be causing excess weight gain.
Are ready to make substantial lifestyle modifications including changing their eating habits and cutting down on alcohol consumption.

Gastric Sleeve BMI Requirements

Patients that are interested in a sleeve gastrectomy procedure should have a BMI of at least 40 or should have a BMI of at least 30 AND have at least one serious obesity-related, co-morbid health condition.