Bariatric Surgery Guidelines

Guidelines for bariatric surgery are determined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH uses the following criteria:

• 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater
• BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition

Studies on Body Mass Index and longevity indicate that a significantly increased Body Mass Index leads to a dramatically shortened life expectancy. For example, the life expectancy of a 20-year-old morbidly obese male is 13 years less than that of a normal-weight man of the same age.

Additional qualifying factors that can be used for patient evaluation:

• History of documented dietary weight loss attempts
• Lifelong commitment to diet, exercise, medical guidelines and follow-up care
• Psychological evaluation reflecting your potential for change and lifelong adaptation to healthier living

Together, you and the Kane Center surgical team can determine:

• If bariatric surgery is, indeed, the best treatment for you
• Exactly which procedure will suit your individual needs (such as gastric bypass, Lap-Band® or REALIZE™).
• If you are equipped, emotionally and mentally, to make the lifestyle changes required for optimal long-term results
• If you have the support system you need to succeed