Weight Loss Surgery
We provide a multi-disciplinary pre-operative and post-operative approach to your care to include medical, nutritional and psychological care.
Do I Qualify for Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery?
It takes a lot of courage to pursue weight loss surgery. We will make every effort to make sure it is the best option for you. There are a number of criteria for weight loss surgery we consider in order to ensure a safe and medically appropriate procedure. Some of these bariatric surgery requirements include information about your overall health as well as your insurance coverage and mindset.
Health & Lifestyle Qualifications for Weight Loss Surgery
- You are more than 100 pounds overweight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. Your weight tells us about your current risk for other health conditions, such as high blood pressure. We also consider your weight-to-height ratio (BMI) to determine which treatments would be most effective for you. The typical BMI for weight loss surgery is 35 or higher, though the requirement varies depending on additional criteria. Learn more about the treatments we offer.
- Your health history includes obesity-associated conditions. Certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are often more difficult to fight when you are carrying a lot of extra weight. If you have one or more health conditions in addition to being overweight, you may qualify for weight loss surgery. Learn more about the obesity-associated conditions we treat.
- You are between the age of 18 and 65 years old. Bariatric surgery is generally considered safe for adults ages 18 to 65. If you are younger than 18 or older than 65, there is a higher risk of surgical complications.
- You live a healthy lifestyle or are willing to adjust your lifestyle. We consider lifestyle factors, such as whether you use tobacco. You must be willing to stop using tobacco (smoking cessation) to safely recover from surgery. Refraining from tobacco is also part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Find a Weight Loss Seminar
If the idea of weight loss surgery makes you nervous, you are not alone.
At Baptist Health, many of our patients have been thinking about bariatric surgery for years. Attending one of our information seminars can help you learn more about our program so you can move forward with confidence.
Know Your Weight Related Risks
Being health aware isn’t just about eating well or staying active. It’s also about knowing your potential risks. Choose an assessment and location before you begin.