The Bariatric Surgery Qualifications You Should Keep in Mind

Bariatric surgery is a life changing procedure. Before making the decision to undergo the procedure, there are some bariatric surgery qualifications that you should be aware of that could impact your eligibility. The major qualifications are your BMI, your medical history, and your insurance coverage.

Your BMI

The first bariatric surgery qualification you and your doctor will discuss is your BMI, or Body Mass Index. BMI is a measure of body fat relative to your height and weight. There are a few BMI factors that affect your ability to have a bariatric surgery.

To qualify for bariatric surgery,  your BMI must be over 40. You may also qualify if your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 and you have one serious obesity-related health problem such as heart disease,  type 2 diabetes, hypertension or severe sleep apnea.

If you’re a teenager who has gone through puberty, you may qualify if your BMI is 35 or more and you have serious obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or severe sleep apnea.

In addition, one very important aspect of the bariatric surgery qualification process is that you’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to lose weight with normal diet and exercise.

Your Medical History

Because any surgery, including bariatric surgery, involves some level of risk, you’ll be taking some medications to deal with postoperative pain management. Therefore, to qualify for bariatric surgery, you can’t have a history of addiction or severe psychiatric problems.

Your Insurance Coverage

Your insurance will most likely not cover the procedure if your BMI is under 35. Patients who have a BMI over 30 may be eligible for weight loss surgery on a cash-pay basis. Be sure to factor in financials when making the decision to undergo bariatric surgery.

If you’re ready to discuss your bariatric surgery qualifications with an experienced bariatric surgeon, contact Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics here. Our knowledgable staff, led by Dr. Aaron Cernero, will work closely with you to determine if bariatric surgery is the best option to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Posted in: Bariatric Surgery