How Do You Qualify for Bariatric Surgery? Steps Patients Must Take Before the Procedure

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is the term for a number of surgeries that can help people who have struggled with obesity and may have comorbid conditions caused or worsened by the excess kilograms. These procedures may be able to help you take control of your health and body size if you meet the criteria. Generally, bariatric surgery is reserved for people with a high body mass index (BMI) who have failed to lose weight or maintain weight loss through traditional means. 

There are guidelines for bariatric surgery for patients ready to take this next step to improve their health and change their lifestyle. However, only a certified bariatric surgeon, such as Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare, can determine if an individual patient needs bariatric surgery. If you’re ready for a lifestyle change and are committed to better health, schedule an appointment at our Sydney office. 

1. A High BMI 

The first qualifying factor for bariatric surgery involves BMI. Body mass index doesn’t necessarily equal one’s body fat percentage, but this calculation is valuable in categorizing body weight using accepted standards. BMI is calculated based on how tall you are without shoes on and your weight without clothes on. Someone with a BMI of 40 or higher is likely morbidly obese, but someone with a lower BMI may still have the same issues if they have an obesity-related condition, such as asthma, heart disease or type 2 diabetes. 

A healthy BMI is considered 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight individuals have a BMI of 25 to 29.9, and someone who is obese will have a BMI of 30 to 39.9. Morbidly obese and super obese persons have a BMI of 40 to 49.9 and 50 or higher, respectively. Use our BMI calculator to understand where your body and health fall in this measurement. 

BMI also affects your options for weight loss surgery:

• Lap band surgery is recommended for people with a BMI of 40 or higher, which equates to about 45.4 kilograms overweight, or a BMI of 30 or higher (about 13.6 kilograms overweight) with one or more comorbidities. (Patients must be at least 18 years old.) 
• Gastric bypass surgery is an option for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher or 30 or higher with one or more severe comorbidities. (Patients must be at least 16 years old.) 
• Gastric sleeve surgery is often recommended when patients don’t qualify for gastric bypass due to certain risk factors and have a BMI of at least 35 or 30 with a severe comorbid condition. (Best for patients between 16 and 70 years old.) 

2. Demonstrate A Desire for Better Health

Patients interested in weight loss surgery have often tried to lose weight with diet and exercise, and they may have been successful once or twice but only achieved short-term success. Candidates for bariatric surgery must be prepared for a significant lifestyle change to ensure they choose and maintain healthier habits. Bariatric surgery is not recommended for people who consume excess amounts of alcohol, are pregnant or have another disease causing the weight gain. 

3. Commit to the Advanced Surgicare Weight Loss Program 

Dr V. Kuzinkovas has helped many patients lead healthier and happier lives by providing excellent support services before and after weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgeon has a high patient satisfaction rate, and many of his former patients and colleagues refer their friends and family to Advanced Surgicare. Dr Kuzinkovas is a compassionate surgeon who creates a customized weight loss surgery treatment plan to help patients turn their lives around. 

Our weight loss program includes comprehensive patient screening and thorough education about weight loss, procedures and life after bariatric surgery. We offer direct communication between patients, our surgeon and support staff with a strict follow-up schedule to monitor progress. Advanced Surgicare provides nutrition counseling, psychological counseling and exercise plans to help patients transform their lifestyles and bodies. 

If you’re interested in bariatric (weight loss) surgery, contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic in Sydney by calling 1300-551-533.