Center for Weight Control: Surgical Treatment: Requirements for Surgery

The following are required for individuals to be considered for gastric bypass surgery in accordance with the National Institutes of Health. Candidates for gastric bypass surgery at St. Elizabeth's must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater (approximately twice one's target weight)
• Or have a BMI between 35 and 40 with at least two weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.)
• Have failed physician-supervised weight loss programs
• Have no underlying, untreated medical condition causing the obesity
• Have no evidence of active psychiatric or eating disorders that would hinder successful weight loss after surgery
• Be medically able to have surgery and general anesthesia
• Understand the risks of surgery and the lifestyle changes that will follow the surgery. In addition, the patient must be motivated to have the surgery.