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SURGERY
CANDIDATES
To determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery,
there are many things to consider. Most importantly is your Body
Mass Index (BMI). This is a calculation, based on your height and
weight, that is used to determine your degree of excess weight.
Next are any medical complications you have that may be improved or
reversed with significant weight loss.
According to the National Institutes of Health, you may be a
candidate for weight loss surgery if you:
Have a Body Mass Index
(BMI)
of 40 or greater
OR Have a Body Mass Index
(BMI)
of 35 or greater with one or more
comorbidities that can be improved by losing weight AND meet
BOTH of the following criteria:
- Have failed
more conservative weight loss alternatives such
as diet, exercise and behavior modification
- Are at least 18
years old
COMORBID CONDITIONS (CO-MORBIDITIES) ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY
Arthritis
Asthma
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Daytime Sleepiness
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Diabetes (Type 2)
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Fatigue
Gallbladder Disease
Glucose Intolerance
Gout
Hypertension
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Impaired
Immune Response
Impaired Respiratory Function
Infertility
Joint Pain
Liver Disease
Low Back Pain
Obstetric and Gynecologic Complications
Pain
Pancreatitis
Reflux
Sleep Apnea
Stroke
Urinary Stress Incontinence
Wound Infections
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Further, your chances of success are greater if you:
-
 Are
able to effectively care for yourself and follow a physicians
instructions
- Are motivated to lose weight and maintain a healthy
lifestyle
- Understand your risks and take active measures to avoid
complications
- Do not abuse drugs or alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Are an adult under the age of 65
Still, not everyone is a candidate and there are important steps
to take to determine for sure. A complete medical exam will help
your physician determine if you are fit for surgery and which
procedure might be best for you. A visit with a counselor and/or
support group can help get you mentally prepared. Call us and well
help you get started.
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