How to Know if You Qualify for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Just being obese doesn't qualify you for gastric bypass surgery. You need to pass through a detailed analysis by a doctor, a surgeon, a psychologist, a dietician and other professionals who must approve your surgery. Follow these steps to find out if you will likely qualify for it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Search online for resources that provide information about gastric bypass surgery. Type in keywords in the search box of for engines like Google or Yahoo. Vary the keywords to get the best results.
2. Check out results that appear on the results page and visit the websites (see Resources below).
3. Find information about the general physical requirements for a person to qualify for gastric bypass surgery.
4. Find a good surgeon in your area and meet with them. Bring all documentation of your health conditions and the medications you're currently taking.
5. Tell your doctor about all the previous weight loss programs you've tried in the past. Also inform your doctor about the results of your efforts.
6. Go for the required diagnostic tests that your surgeon recommends to find out your "Body Mass Index" (BMI) number. You'll be tested for diabetes and high blood pressure, too.
7. Ask your doctor if you qualify for the surgery. If yes, the doctor may then call a team of professionals including dietician, physician, and psychologist to determine whether you're mentally ready for the lifestyle changes that you may have to make after the surgery.
8. Know the risks and benefits of the surgery. Ask your doctor about how your health will affect it. Get the surgery done only if the probable benefits outweigh the probable risks.

Tips & Warnings

• You need a BMI of 40 or more to qualify for gastric bypass surgery. If you have a BMI ranging from 35 to 39 and you also have a serious case of diabetes or high blood pressure, you also qualify.
• Being prepared to make changes in your lifestyle including eating habits and exercise programs will be a major factor for you qualifying for surgery. Doctors may not deem you fit for the surgery if they do not find you determined enough to make future commitments.