Weight loss surgery criteria guidelines

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence outlines a specific criteria for weight loss surgery.

Patients considering weight loss surgery must have a BMI of 30 or above. BMI’s over 30 categorise patients as obese. Those with BMI’s over 40 are considered morbidly obese and easily meet the BMI qualifications for weight loss surgery. Those with a BMI below 40 may have to exhibit a life threatening weight related condition in addition to a BMI above 30.

Qualifying patients must be older than 18 and younger than 60. This is to protect the health of the patients.

Patients must have been been obese for at least five years to qualify for weight loss procedures. They must also have attempted all conventional means of losing weight, including diet and exercise. Those who have lost weight, but were unable to keep it off, may still qualify for weight loss surgery.

Qualifying patients must have a life threatening weight related condition or be at severe risk for developing one. This can be determined by a general physician or other health care professional.

The final criteria, as set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, is that the patient must be willing and committed to making lifestyle changes. This means that they must agree to take all required dietary supplements and medications and that the patient will attend all aftercare meetings with the specialist team.

The criteria for weight loss surgery are strict to protect the well being of the patients. The surgery can be strenuous on the body, the criteria ensures that the surgeries are not performed unnecessarily.

It is easy to view weight loss surgery as an easy solution for overweight or obese individuals, but it is important to understand that weight loss procedures are not simple solutions. The surgeries carry risks which should not be undertaken by individuals whose weight is not a danger to their health.

Other factors that the patient’s surgeon or general physician will take into consideration include gender, body type, ethnic background, BMI, and genetic factors.

It is important to meet with an unbiased health care professional who will help weigh the risks and benefits of all available procedures. The patient’s primary decision should not be made alongside a specialised surgeon. This is because someone who is highly specialised can only recommend the procedures for which they are trained to perform.