Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

We recommend weight loss surgery for adults who have a BMI of 35 or greater and are committed to a new beginning. We understand that weight loss surgery is a positive, yet life-changing decision. Most patients have tried multiple diets without long-term success. Surgery may give you the best chance at long term success.

Check your BMI here

Your research on weight loss surgery probably means you have been considering having surgery for a long time.

St. Elizabeth is here to help you understand the surgical weight loss options available to you. Weight loss surgery is an effective tool to help individuals lose weight, improve health and quality of life, and decrease or eliminate the comorbid conditions that are associated with obesity.

Whether to have weight loss surgery or not is a serious decision; the surgery is not for everyone. Before deciding on this surgery you should know what it involves.

According to the National Institutes of Health, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:

• You have unsuccessfully attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise
• Your BMI is 35 or greater with problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension, or if your BMI is greater than 40
• You are well informed about the surgery and treatment effects
• You are aware of the risks and benefits of surgery
• You are ready to lose weight and improve your health
• You are aware of how life may change after the surgery (For example, patients need to adjust to side effects, such as the need to chew food well and the loss of the ability to eat large meals.)
• You are aware of the limits on food choices, and occasional failures
• You are committed to lifelong healthy eating and physical activity, medical follow-up, and the need to take extra vitamins and minerals