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Surgery in the Treatment of Obesity (cont.)

Criteria for Surgery

Weight loss surgery candidates must fulfill all the following criteria:

  • Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, or high blood lipids


  • Previously attempted nonsurgical weight-loss treatments and failed to achieve long-term weight loss


  • Well-informed and motivated for long-term follow-up to achieve substantial weight loss 


  • Acceptable medical risks for surgery  



Next: Classifications of Surgery »

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