Criteria

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The Northwest Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program adheres to the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines to determine if an individual is a candidate for Bariatric Surgery. Specifically, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater
  
  OR
  
  
• Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 and has associated health problems related to obesity
  
  AND
  
  
• Dietary attempts at weight control have been ineffective
• Psychological stability
• Knowledgeable about the the operation (risks, benefits, long-term consequences)
• Motivated
• Existing medical problems do not preclude likely survival from surgery

Prior to surgery, a potential candidate will be required to participate in the surgeon’s detailed pre-operative assessment to ensure they meet all the above criteria.