Weight Loss Surgery is not for everyone. Here are some of the things we will consider when evaluating your candidacy for obesity surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery is right for you if:

• You are at least 18 years old
• Your BMI is 40 or higher (BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 703)
• Your BMI is 35 or higher and you are suffering from serious health problems related to obesity
• Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success
• You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle
• You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you
• You do not drink alcohol in excess

Contraindications

Weight Loss Surgery is not right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease
• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel)
• You have portal hypertension
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening
• You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation
• You have cirrhosis
• You have chronic pancreatitis
• You are pregnant

Your Motivation

While Weight Loss Surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. While Weight Loss Surgery is a tool to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long-term weight loss. You must be committed to new eating habits for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.