Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 3/20/2007

Question
hi I'm about 260 pounds and 5'4 in height and I've considered weight loss surgery I'm 34 years of age and want makes someone a good candidate for this surgery I'm really serious about my weight loss and i know i would do anything to keep my weight down if i had surgery

Answer
Anna,
The information you provided about your height and weight puts you at a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 45.  It is generally agreed that weight loss surgery should be seriously considered for anyone with a BMI greater than 40, and in many cases if the BMI is greater than 35.

So, the numbers suggest that you may be a very reasonable candidate for weight loss surgery.  Most of the rest of the story has to do with your state of mind.  In order to achieve the best weight loss (for life) and the best health with any weight loss operation, you must be prepared to make a serious life change.  I find it works best to think of the surgical procedure as a "tool" that you use to help you lose weight and maintain the lower weight.

Bottom line - if you have a strong sense of conviction that you have tried all the nonsurgical approaches to weight loss that you reasonably can do, and if you feel convinced that you need to take the next (somewhat drastic) step, then you are probably a good candidate for weight loss surgery.

If you wish to contact a bariatric surgical program, I recommend you seek one in your local area.  One of the best ways to find an excellent team for bariatric surgery is through the website for the American Society for Bariatric Surgeons, at www.asbs.org.

Best wishes!
Dr JP