Do I qualify for morbid obesity surgery?

Selection Criteria

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 are associated comorbidities E.g., 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 potentially severe and life threatening comorbidities exist.

• Is my BMI > 40, or > 35 with co-morbidities (see our BMI calculator to calculate your BMI)
  
  
• Co-morbidities are other medical conditions such as type two diabetes or sleep apnoea or arthritis
  
  
• There may be times when a lower BMI may be considered, however this will be at the discretion of the team and must be discussed with the team (please advise us on phoning your BMI is on the lower side)
  • Does my weight have a significant effect on my everyday life?
    
    
• Is it difficult for me to do everyday activities
  
  
• Are there things I want to do that I can’t?
  
  
• Do I get puffed easily?
  
  
• Can I keep up with the kids?
  
  
• Depression? (please note psychiatric conditions do not preclude you from being eligible from surgery, as long as these are well controlled)
  • Am I good at following instructions?
    
    
  • Can I give up foods like cakes, lollies, chocolate for at least a year, and then only have a small amount as a treat after that?
    
    
  • Have I tried to diet in the past only to regain the weight?
    
    
• Weight Watchers
  
  
• Jenny Craig
  
  
• Sure Slim
  
  
• Weight loss medications
  
  
• Own diets
  
  
• Calorie counting
  
  
• Seen a dietitian / nutritionist
  
  
• Exercise
  
  
• Body for Life
  
  
• And the like
  • Am I prepared to make life long changes to sustain my weight loss
    
    
  • Do I realise weight loss surgery is only a tool to help me lose weight and not a “magic bullet”?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to embrace exercise lifelong?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to give up smoking pre surgery and after surgery?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to give up alcohol for at least three months after surgery?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to give up caffeine for at least three months after surgery?
    
    
  • If I am considering an adjustable gastric band, am I able to come in for regular adjustments?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to come in for regular review?
    
    
  • Am I prepared to have regular blood tests to monitor my health post surgery?