Weight Loss Surgery Requirements
Tired of worrying about your weight? You may qualify for life-changing weight loss surgery.
Find out by exploring weight loss surgery requirements.
Trying to lose weight on your own can be frustrating. It’s hard to know what will work for you and difficult to find the support you need. What weight loss methods have you tried? After trying diet after diet, diet pills, devices, exercises, natural remedies, and more, it’s time to consider weight loss surgery with the help of the Inspire Bariatrics team.
If you are tired of carrying around extra weight, learn about the requirements for weight loss surgery below, or schedule your appointment to explore your weight loss surgery options.
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What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is another term for weight loss surgery. There are several forms of bariatric surgery for those who are obese and meet other requirements. The minimum requirements for bariatric surgery, depending on the type of surgery, are 30 BMI (Body Mass Index), with several procedures requiring a BMI of 35 or 40.
Have you considered weight loss surgery?
Learn more about weight loss surgery considerations hereTypes of Weight Loss Surgery
Gastric Bypass Surgery
There are two steps in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery:
- Stomach Stapling
A pouch is created in the upper portion of your stomach by your surgeon, who will staple this section of your stomach. The small pouch will reduce your appetite, allowing you to eat less and lose weight.
- Small Intestine
In the second step of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, the small intestine is cut and attached to the stapled pouch. Food will bypass the main portion of the stomach and the top portion of your small intestine, letting your body absorb fewer calories.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is also called sleeve gastrectomy and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In the procedure, a portion of your stomach is removed. With the removed part gone, your stomach will be smaller, helping you feel full quickly after eating and reducing the amount of food you eat.
Learn more about gastric sleeve surgery hereLap-Band Surgery
Lap-band surgery is also called laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) or “A band.” A device with a ring and inflatable band is placed near the top of your stomach. The ring and inflatable band create a balloon-like pouch. In the pouch is a salt solution, creating a system that helps you feel full after eating a smaller amount of food.
Learn more about lap-band surgery hereRequirements for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, you must meet the requirements for the procedure. Requirements for bariatric weight loss surgery may include:
- BMI (body mass index) of at least 30
- A BMI of 35 or 40 may be required
- Health issue:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Have a current weight of less than 450 pounds
Are you a weight loss surgery candidate? Lap band requirements, requirements for gastric sleeve surgery, and qualifications for gastric bypass surgery may differ.
Calculate your BMI
Bariatric Surgery Side Effects
Depending on your procedure, current state of health, and provider, side effects from bariatric surgery may include one or more of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Acid reflux
- Ulcers
- Difficulty swallowing
- Infections
For additional side effects and the side effects of a specific bariatric surgery, schedule an appointment with Inspire Bariatrics.
Weight Loss Surgery Evaluation
Before choosing and scheduling your weight loss surgery, you will need to complete a weight loss surgery evaluation. This evaluation will take place during your initial appointment. The appointment will include the following:
- Physical evaluation
- Blood tests
- Medical imaging
- Medical history review
If you are the right fit for weight loss surgery, you will work with your provider to choose the surgery with the best potential results and least risk for you. After choosing the surgery, you will schedule a pre-op visit. Approximately 3-6 weeks after your pre-op appointment, you will have your weight loss surgery.
Are you ready to schedule your weight loss surgery evaluation? Schedule an appointment at Inspire Bariatrics!
Weight Loss Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average weight loss for gastric sleeve surgery?
As a result of gastric sleeve surgery, patients can lose around 25-35% of their body weight and as much as 70% of their excess weight (2).
Does insurance cover lap-band surgery?
Lap-band surgery was once considered an experimental procedure and not covered by insurance companies. Lap-band surgery has gained popularity and is now recognized as an effective long-term surgery to treat obesity. The majority of insurance companies we work with at Bariatric Surgery Clinic cover lap-band surgery. Insurance also covers gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery. Consult with your doctor and insurance provider to determine if your weight loss surgery will be covered.
What is the necessary BMI for weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery requirements include meeting or exceeding a minimum body mass index (BMI) number. The minimum BMI needed for weight loss surgery varies depending on the chosen weight loss surgery, procedure, and provider. General requirements include reaching a BMI number of 40 or higher. However, some patients may qualify at 35 BMI or 30 BMI. If you have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, you have a higher probability of qualifying for bariatric surgery.
What is the average weight loss for gastric bypass surgery?
Results after gastric bypass surgery vary, but weight loss can be substantial. Patients lose approximately 60% of extra weight on average (1).
Is weight loss surgery for me?
Only you can determine if weight loss surgery is for you. Your decision will come from carefully weighing your options and discussing the benefits and risks of each procedure with your doctor. If you are over 30-35 on the BMI scale, have been obese for an extended period, and have tried weight loss surgery or other procedures before, weight loss surgery may be for you.
How overweight do you have to be for lap band surgery?
Lap band surgery, based on your provider, requires a BMI number of 35 or higher. Your provider may require that you have been at 35 BMI or higher for five years or more.
What is the least invasive weight loss surgery?
When seeking to lose weight, you have surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. When it comes to weight loss surgery, minimally invasive weight loss surgery is possible with the da Vinci robotic system. The da Vinci robotic system minimizes the size of incisions, increases visibility with 3DHD, and adds versatility that human hands can not offer.
What questions do you have? If you have questions about weight loss surgery, contact Inspire Bariatrics!
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
Not all weight loss procedures and devices require surgery. Non-surgical weight loss options include the following FDA-approved devices:
- Electrical stimulation system
- Gastric balloon system
- Pump to drain food from your stomach
Surgical options available at Bariatric Surgery Clinic include minimally invasive options. Inspire Bariatrics specializes in performing weight loss surgery with da Vinci robotic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure.
Ready to move your weight loss journey forward?
Explore bariatric weight loss surgery from Inspire Bariatrics and their weigh loss surgeons, Dr. McCalman and Dr. Peery in McKinney, TX.
Now that you know what weight loss surgery requirements there are, are you ready to move your weight loss journey forward and get closer to your goal weight and a happier, healthier future? If so, it’s time to schedule your appointment with Dr. McCalman or Dr. Peery.
Our surgeons have developed a reputation as a leading bariatric surgeon and excellent care provider. More than 85% of patients give the team 4 or 5 stars, with 80% of 4-5 star ratings being a perfect 5 stars. For exceptional results and customer service, trust your care to Inspire Bariatrics.
