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Selection Criteria

There are a number of widely accepted criteria which make a patient suitable for Bariatric or weight loss surgery:

  • BMI > 40 by itself or >35 if there is an associated obesity complications , such as diabetes or sleep apnoea
  • Reasonable attempts at other weight loss techniques
  • Age 18-65
  • No drug dependency problems
  • A capacity to understand the risks and commitment associated with the surgery.
  • Pregnancy not anticipated in the first year 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 patients have difficult to control diabetes.