Requirements and contraindications
Thinking about bariatric surgery and don't know where to start? Many people have the same question: actually, Who can perform bariatric surgery?This question comes up in almost every initial consultation. Understanding the requirements and situations in which it's not recommended is very helpful in preparing before speaking with a surgeon.
In this article New Body Bariatric Center, In Miami, you will find clear information to understand who meets the criteria in the United States and when it is advisable to look for other alternatives.
What is bariatric surgery and how does it work?
Bariatric surgery It is a procedure that helps people with obesity to lose weight significantly.. It modifies the digestive system to limit the amount of food or reduce the absorption of nutrients.
In the United States, the most common types are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and adjustable gastric banding. They work in different ways, but all aim to improve overall health and reduce the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Who can have bariatric surgery?
So, Who can perform bariatric surgery? In the United States? Doctors use well-defined criteria to determine when to have the procedure. It's not just about weight, but also about health factors and medical history. Here are the main points:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40.
- BMI between 35 and 39.9 with associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or heart disease.
- Previous attempts at weight loss supervised by doctors, without success.
- Age generally between 18 and 65 years.
- Emotional stability and commitment to lifestyle changes after surgery.
- Approval from a multidisciplinary team (doctor, nutritionist, psychologist).
This assessment seeks to ensure that the patient has the physical and psychological conditions to cope with the process and adapt to long-term changes.
Medical and psychological requirements for candidates
In addition to weight criteria, the medical team evaluates other factors to determine who is a candidate for bariatric surgery. These requirements help reduce risks and increase the chances of good results.
The medical examinations include blood tests, electrocardiogram, abdominal ultrasound, and tests to evaluate lung function. In the psychological aspect, a psychologist verifies that the patient understands the challenges and is prepared to follow the treatment.
The following table summarizes the main requirements:
| Requirement | Example | Observation |
| minimum BMI | ≥40 or ≥35 with associated diseases | Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea |
| Age | 18 to 65 years | May vary depending on assessment |
| Mental health | Emotional stability | Evaluated by a professional |
| Previous attempts | Documented diets and exercises | Supervised by a medical team |
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery? When is it not recommended?
Not all cases of obesity warrant surgery. There are situations where the risks outweigh the benefits, or the patient is not yet ready for the necessary changes.
Among the most common contraindications in the United States are:
- Severe psychiatric disorders without adequate treatment.
- Active use of drugs or alcohol.
- Serious illnesses that greatly increase the surgical risk.
- Lack of understanding or refusal to follow postoperative instructions.
- Pregnancy planned for a few months after the procedure.
These conditions generally require treatment or monitoring before surgery is considered.
Myths about who can have bariatric surgery
Many people think that anyone who is overweight can have the surgery. This is not true. There is also the idea that It's advertised as a way to lose weight "quickly and easily," which creates unrealistic expectations..
The procedure does not replace healthy habits. It serves as a tool for those who have already tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success and face serious health risks.
How to prepare for your assessment at New Body Bariatric Center
Arriving at the consultation with clear criteria greatly facilitates the process. During the first visit to the New Body Bariatric Center, In Miami, the medical team reviews the entire health history, measures BMI, requests tests, and schedules psychological and nutritional evaluations.
This is a good time to clarify any doubts, learn about the next steps, and discuss the most suitable options for each case. If you are interested in finding out if you meet the requirements, the New Body Bariatric Center team is ready to guide you through each stage.. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
