Who Are Good Candidates for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is very effective at helping Houston-area patients lose significant amounts of weight, but it may not be right for everyone. Certain people are more likely to benefit from this surgery, which is why a thorough screening is performed prior to scheduling the procedure with board certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew St. Laurent.
Evaluating a Patient's Candidacy
This is a complex question, as not everyone who is significantly overweight can benefit from the surgery. The ideal candidate for bariatric surgery
- Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or
- Has a BMI of 35 or higher and is suffering from certain obesity-related conditions
- May have a BMI below 35, in some circumstances
- Is more than 100 pounds over his or her ideal body weight
- Is between 16 and 70 years old
- Has a history of being overweight
- Has made numerous serious attempts to lose weight without long-term success
- Does not drink alcohol in excess
If you are eligible, please continue on to our Procedure Guide to learn more.
Bariatric surgery is effective for anyone who qualifies, but it is not a simple, one-time solution to reducing extra weight. Instead, bariatric surgery is the first step in improving a patient’s health, fighting illnesses and body stress related to obesity, and giving him or her a chance to live a long and healthy life. To maintain weight loss results and significantly improve health conditions, it is necessary to live a more active and healthful lifestyle following the surgery.
The most successful candidate for bariatric surgery is one who has tried numerous diet and exercise programs over the years and who is committed to modifying his or her diet and lifestyle in the long term. If this sounds like you, then bariatric surgery could be a good option.
It’s important to note that each patient must be healthy enough to withstand surgery, as this greatly affects healing time. An extensive consultation with Dr. St. Laurent is necessary to ensure that bariatric surgery is indeed the best course of action.
To calculate your Body Mass Index via our BMI Calculator, please click here.
If you’ve been wondering whether or not you might be a good candidate for bariatric surgery, a consultation with Dr. St. Laurent can answer all your questions. To schedule an appointment, contact his Houston clinic at 281-301-1404.
