AM I A CANDIDATE?

Selection Criteria

There are a number of widely accepted criteria which make a patient suitable for this operation:

• Weight greater than 45kg above the ideal body weight for sex, and height.
• BMI greater than 40 by itself or greater than 35 if there is an associated 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 comorbidities exist.