Am I a Candidate for Surgery?
National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery
Qualifications for bariatric surgery in most areas include:
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is recommended for individuals with BMI ≥35 kg/m2, regardless of the presence, absence, or severity of weight-related co-morbidities.
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is recommended in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and BMI ≥30 kg/m2.
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery should be considered in individuals with a BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m2 who do not achieve substantial or durable weight loss or co-morbidity improvement using nonsurgical methods.
For example, an adult who is 5’11" tall and weighs 290 lbs would have a BMI over 40.
Insurance companies do not always follow NIH Guidelines. Many insurance companies require a patient to have weight-related co-morbidities if the BMI is <40. Contact your insurance company regarding your specific criteria. Our office staff is always willing to help to determine whether you are a candidate.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Common Weight Related Co-Morbidities
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Sleep Apnea / Respiratory Disease
Gastro-esophageal Reflux
High Cholesterol
Bone / Joint Damage
Cancer
Click the articles below to read more information about co-morbidities!
