The American Society for Bariatric Surgery recommends the following criteria for patient selection. The patient must:
weigh 100 pounds or more than the standard for height and sex as estimated by the Metropolitan Life Table or have a BMI (body mass index) equal to or greater than 40
have been in other structured weight loss programs such as Weight Watcher’s® or Jenny Craig® for a minimum of six months
be well informed about the surgery and lifestyle changes for recovery
understand and accept the risks of surgery
be committed to a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their life
agree to be part of long-term follow-up
be cancer free for five years
Non-eligibility
Individuals are not eligible for Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass surgery if they:
are alcoholic or addicted to other drugs
have active liver disease, such as hepatitis
have a psychiatric disability as determined by a psychologist or psychiatrist
have a correctable cause of obesity, such as thyroid disease
have a personality that does not fit program guidelines
are pregnant or desire to get pregnant in two years
have an unstable eating pattern related to medications
have uncontrolled binge eating disorder (BED)
Insurance coverage
Many insurance companies cover gastric bypass surgery. To find out about a specific plan, call the plans customer service number — usually on the back of any insurance card — and request information about the plan coverage.
The surgeon’s clinic works with each patient on an individual basis to aid in obtaining insurance pre-authorization.
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