ARE YOU A CANDIDATE

There are a number of widely accepted criteria which make a patient suitable for Bariatric or weight loss surgery:
  • Weight greater than 45kg above the ideal body weight for sex, and height.
  • BMI > 40 by itself or >35 if there is an associated obesity illness , such as diabetes or sleep apnoea
  • Reasonable attempts at other weight loss techniques
  • Age 18-65
  • Obesity related health problems
  • No psychiatric or drug dependency problems
  • A capacity to understand the risks and commitment associated with the surgery.
  • Pregnancy not anticipated in the first two years following surgery
There is considerable flexibility in these guidelines. Patients as young as 12 have been offered surgery. Sometimes a lower BMI between 30-35 is accepted if comorbidities exist.