Do I qualify?

Will I qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

You may be considering weight loss surgery after a lengthy period of trying to shed excess weight. However, to qualify for Bariatric Surgery you need to be aware of the eligibility criteria set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), a UK government health advisory executive.

If you think you qualify and have decided to proceed with a consultation about Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery, get in touch with us for further information. You may qualify as a suitable candidate for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery if you meet the following criteria:

• You are aged between 18 and 60 (some people over 60 may qualify at certain centres).
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) or measure is 35kg/m² and above, per obesity-related health conditions.
• You have obesity-related health conditions or diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
• A psychological or metabolic basis is not the cause of your obesity.
• You know what is involved in Bariatric Surgery; the benefits, risks and complications.
• You accept the changes expected in lifestyle and behaviour as a result of Bariatric Surgery.
• You are committed and motivated to proceed with a life-changing diet, lifestyle and behavioural management programme, geared at controlling weight loss and healthy recovery.

As obesity is globally on the rise people are being educated more about weight management and the meaning of Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements for health. You can use BMI as a gauge of your well-being and also as criteria to determine your potential qualification for weight loss surgery.

Calculating my Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is sometimes called the Quetelet Index and is calculated by your total weight in kilograms (kg) divided by your height measured in metres (m) squared. In short, the calculation is: kg/m², and represents your personal BMI count of body mass. BMI calculators are available throughout weight loss centres, or your medical consultant can help you determine your BMI measure.

Here is an overview of BMI measures and their weight and health interpretations:

BMI is a measure of thinness and thickness of body fat; however, care needs to be taken when using BMI as a measurement of your health, as BMI for taller people can be higher and not a true reflection of their body fat. Medical practitioners usually use BMI in conjunction with other tests to determine diagnosis.