There are a number of widely accepted criteria which make a patient suitable for Bariatric or weight loss surgery:
Weight greater than 45kg above the ideal body weight for sex, and height
BMI > 40 by itself or >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.
