Eligibility Criteria

Health Resources:

- Obesity Treatment Overview - Obesity Video - Six Facts on Obesity

Adult BMI Calculator Rather than relying on the bathroom scale to tell you if you're overweight, BMI takes into account your weight and height to indicate body fat. The goal for most people: a BMI that's over 18 and under 25.

Generally, suitable candidates for weight loss surgery are:

• Between the ages of 18 and 65 (individuals who are younger or older than this age bracket are considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Obese with a high body mass index, or BMI. Body mass index is a calculation of body weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A BMI over 35 is considered severely obese, and a BMI over 40 is considered morbidly obese. Surgery is appropriate for patients with a BMI of 40, or 35 with a life-threatening co-morbidity such as type II diabetes, sleep apnea, or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Struggling with an obesity-related condition, like hypertension, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
• Currently trying to or have tried in the past to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise.
• Psychologically ready for weight loss surgery and willing to commit to dramatic post-operative lifestyle changes.

How Can I Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery?

There are several aspects of the surgery which require preparation. The first, the physical aspect, may require Longview-area weight loss surgery candidates to follow a six-month, medically supervised weight loss program involving diet and exercise. Losing some of the excess weight pre-operatively allows our surgeons to perform a safer and more effective surgery and helps our patients to recover faster. Additionally, since the surgery is just one component of a comprehensive weight loss program, patients must understand and prepare for the mental and emotional aspects of the surgery. Patients undergo a psychological evaluation to assess their mental readiness for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that must accompany it for long-lasting, successful results. Longview Surgeons works in conjunction with a licensed psychologist to conduct these evaluations and coach patients on the kinds of mental adjustments they should anticipate after surgery.

Screening Evaluation

Once a patient meets the specified criteria and has attended a bariatric seminar the next step is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. Prior to the scheduled consultation, it is important to become as well educated as possible regarding bariatric surgery. Please utilize the list of resources (see end of booklet) to obtain as much knowledge and information prior to the surgical consultation.

During the surgical consultation appointment, the patient will meet with the surgeon, bariatric coordinator and nutritionist. The surgeon will review the patient’s health history, and conduct an in-depth discussion regarding surgical techniques and risks. The surgeon will inform the patient of further consultations or tests needed to determine candidacy for surgery. You will be provided with a checklist of pre-operative requirements which must be completed prior to having surgery. The sooner these pre-operative requirements are completed the sooner we can schedule your surgery.

Your case will be reviewed by all members of the team the week of the consultation. You will subsequently be notified of your surgery date and whether additional material is needed. Bariatric surgery is not always the appropriate choice, so the screening process assists the team in determining the best steps for the patient to take.