Am I a Candidate
People come in all shapes and sizes. But are you a
candidate for a weight loss surgery program? If you
feel you are a candidate, you will want to educate
yourself on many life-changing procedures. Morbid
Obesity is used to describe a very serious medical
condition in scientific terms. Your health and safety,
not to mention overall success are most important when
considering our patients. Not all patients who suffer
from obesity are surgical candidates. This is why we
have placed certain guidelines, the National Institutes
of Health Guidelines, when considering a potential
patient for surgery. Body Mass Index, age, prior weight
loss surgery and smoking and tobacco use.
Body Mass Index
Many utilize the
Body Mass Index (BMI) as a way to help
determine obesity. BMI is a number that shows body
weight adjusted for height. BMI can be calculated with
simple math using inches and pounds, or meters and
kilograms. In order to understand your
Body Mass Index
(BMI) we have provided a calculator for your
convenience. Enter your Height and Weight in the
blanks. The system will then run a simple formula to
determine your BMI combined with any of the medical
conditions qualify you for the procedure. This process
is anonymous and instant. This will help categorize
weight in terms of nationally recognized standards. On
average, patients considered for weight loss surgery are
in the morbidly or super obese categories.
Age
Ideal candidates for weight loss
surgery are commonly between the ages of 18 and 50 years
old.
Prior Weight Loss Surgery
Patients who have had a weight
loss procedure or surgery and are still morbidly obese
are not qualified to be candidates for the laparoscopic
surgery.
Tobacco/Smoking Use
Patients who smoke or use
nicotine in any form will not be accepted into the ALSA
program. If you currently smoke or use nicotine
products, you will need to quit prior to applying as a
candidate.
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