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Bariatric Surgery
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Eligibility Requirements

Morbid obesity is a complex chronic disease. Surgery is one of the many options available to treat weight loss patients, and is normally reserved for the most extreme cases. Yale-New Haven Hospital adheres to strict National Institutes of Health guidelines in determining which patients are eligible for Bariatric procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

Who is Eligible?

The most likely candidates for weight loss surgery will have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. On average, this group includes men who are approximately 80 pounds or women who are approximately 100 pounds overweight. Bariatric procedures may also be considered for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension and have a BMI of 35 or higher.

In addition to BMI requirements, all candidates must meet strict physical and psychological criteria before weight loss surgery will be considered.

Surgery is Just One Step

When compared to other therapies, weight loss surgery has proven successful with many patients for whom other methods have failed. However, it is important to remember that Bariatric procedures are the first step in a long-term commitment to maintaining health. Nutritional counseling and exercise play an equally important part of any comprehensive weight loss strategy.

Getting Started

If you believe you may be eligible for Bariatric surgery, you can begin the process by downloading, completing and returning our weight loss surgery candidate form.

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