Gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle food. During the procedure, your stomach is divided into two sections, limiting the amount of food you can eat and that your body can digest. This is a major medical procedure and should never be considered a "quick-fix" to weight loss. There are guidelines and protocols that must be followed before an individual is approved for the surgery.

Evaluations

Before the procedure, you will be evaluated by team of health professionals, including a doctor, dietician, psychologist and surgeon to determine if gastric bypass is appropriate for you. This assessment determines if the benefits to your health outweighs potential risks of the procedure. You need to have a complete physical exam, including extensive laboratory testing, participate in nutritional counseling, and meet with your doctor to make sure other medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol are under control. You will also learn what will happen during the surgery, what to expect afterwards, and potential risks or problems you may encounter.

Body Mass Index

A normal body mass index (BMI) number, which is the measure of weight in relation to height, is between 18.5 and 25. According to 1GastricBypass.com, to qualify for gastric bypass surgery, your BMI needs to be between 40 and 50, which equates to a man being 100 lbs. or more overweight and a woman 80 lbs. or more overweight. If your BMI is more than 50, you will not be disqualified; however, you will need to lose up to 8 percent of your weight before undergoing surgery.

Weight Control/Nutrition

This procedure may be an option for you if you have been very obese for a minimum of five years and have been unsuccessful in achieving and/or maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise. After the surgery, you will be required to lead a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise.

Motivation

The scheduled surgery can be cancelled if your health care team determines you are not psychologically or medically ready for the procedure. This can occur if you do not make appropriate changes in your eating or physical activity habits or have gained weight during the evaluation process. You must be mentally stable, not dependent on alcohol or illegal drugs, and, if you smoke, you must stop several weeks before surgery and not start smoking again after surgery.

Age

1GastricBypass.com reports that individuals considering this procedure must be between the ages of 15 and 50 to qualify; however, some medical professionals set the age requirement between 18 and 55. Underage individuals need their parent's consent. There is a higher possibility for complications and death in older patients who undergo this procedure.

Source:

Gastric Bypass Surgery: Do you Qualify for Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery?

Yale-New Haven Hospital: NIH Guidelines for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Med Net: Do You Qualify for Gastric Bypass Surgery?