Surgery Qualifications
Weight loss surgery is major surgery. Patients must consider both the benefits and the possible risks and complications before deciding surgery is the right path to weight loss.
Choosing to have weight loss surgery is a life-long commitment to making lifestyle changes. It is important not only to know the changes, risks and benefits, but also to understand how life will be different after surgery. Family participation and support is highly important as you begin your journey to a healthier new you.
The decision to have weight loss surgery should include careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon or a knowledgeable family physician. Many of your questions may be answered as part of one of our
free information sessions – available online or in-person. You may also find the information provided in our
frequently asked questions helpful.
National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery
Although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has updated its guidelines for bariatric surgery, insurance companies have not yet adopted this guidance. Currently, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center can perform surgeries that fall under these new guidelines as self-pay. We do not offer surgery to children or adolescents.
- Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35, regardless of the presence, absence or severity of comorbidities.
- MBS should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and a BMI of 30 - 34.9.
- BMI thresholds should be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥ 25 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with BMI ≥ 27.5 should be offered MBS.
- Long-term results of MBS consistently demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Do You Qualify?
These guidelines help us provide the safest, highest quality care with successful results. If you can answer yes to these questions, you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.
- Do you have
comorbidities such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and/or GERD?
- Do you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 with comorbidities or greater than 40 without comorbidities?
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Are you willing to commit to a healthy, active lifestyle?
- Are you a non-smoker or will quit forever at least six weeks before surgery?
- Have you tried non-surgical attempts at weight loss such as diet, exercise or weight loss medication?