What are the specific BMI requirements for different types of bariatric surgery

The surgical weight loss procedures, such as laparoscopic gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery, have defined surgical criteria based on BMI as well as associated health conditions. Here they are divided by surgery type:

Sleeve Gastrectomy
• . BMI ≥ 35: Eligible regardless of comorbidities.

• BMI 30-34.9: Eligible if there are accompanying conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

• Special considerations: Indian or Asian patients are often eligible at lower BMIs due to an earlier onset of comorbidities.

Gastric Bypass
• BMI ≥ 40: Eligible without additional conditions.

• BMI 35-39.9: Eligible if serious obesity-related health problems (e.g. type 2 diabetes or heart disease) exist.

• BMI 30-34.9: May qualify for consideration of metabolic surgery if poorly controlled type 2 diabetes exists.

Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band)
• BMI 40 or higher: Standard eligibility.

• BMI 30-39.9: If suffering from at least one obesity-related condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they are deemed eligible.

• Note This procedure is less commonly performed today as there are more effective options available.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS)
• Usually reserved for patients with a BMI ≥ 50, but can be performed in patients with a BMI < 50 under certain conditions, such as severe obesity-related complications.

A General Overview on BMI Guidelines Across Procedures

• Bypassed physiological checks alongside BMI 40: Qualifies for the majority of bariatric surgeries without extra prerequisites. • BMI 35 – 39.9: Associated with severe obesity-related health issues. • BMI 30 – 34.9: May be eligible for metabolic surgery, specific procedures, or some other form of surgical weight reduction if associated comorbidities exist and non-invasive weight-loss attempts have been exhausted.

Additional Considerations

• Patients are expected to provide evidence of multiple non-surgical attempts at achieving weight-loss, passing psychological and medical readiness examinations. • Age and other health considerations usually impact eligibility claim depending on the chosen method and institutional guidelines. This ensures that the advantages towards undergoing surgery outweighs the individuals risks.

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