Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 3/16/2008

Question
Hi, I am a 21 yr. old female that is 5'4" and weighs 236 lbs. I recently found out that my BMI is 40. I've tried numerous diets and either they would fail or i would put the weight right back on and then some just from slowly coming off the diet. In your opinion would i qualify for a bariatric surgery? If so, what is the full process like and about how long would it be until i actually got the surgery? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Elizabeth,
You do clearly meet the standard criteria, where the risk of surgery is LESS THAN continuing to live with the weight.  The rest of the story about "qualifying" for surgery is that you must be mentally and emotionally ready to take on really significant lifestyle changes to work with the surgery for weight loss and long term health.

The next best step in the process is to learn everything you can about surgery.  You can begin on the web, and search topics like weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band.

Soon you will need to find an experienced and dedicated surgical program in your area.  The best way to do this is to go the website for our national organization, www.asmbs.org, and search for members in your area.  You can be confident of your choice if the surgeon and program have taken the trouble to rise to the standard to be designated as a Center of Excellence.

The timing of the process usually depends on your insurance.  Currently, insurance companies commonly place roadblocks in the way of patients seeking bariatric surgery, such as requiring a 3 month or 6 month diet.  Your surgical program can help you figure out the situation on that.

Best of luck!

Dr JP