While weight-loss surgery offers hope to many people who struggle with their weight, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. At the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center, our doctors conduct a comprehensive health evaluation to see if you are physically and psychologically eligible for weight-loss surgery.
The best candidates for bariatric surgery are patients motivated to prioritize good nutrition, regular exercise, and other healthy habits for the rest of their lives. They also understand that bariatric surgery is a tool they need to use correctly to achieve their desired weight-loss goals.
Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
We use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) guidelines to determine whether you are a candidate for surgery. To be eligible, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, which typically means you are about 100 pounds overweight
- Have a BMI greater than 35, or about 75 pounds overweight, with one or more obesity-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
- Be unable to lose weight and keep it off through nonsurgical methods such as diet, exercise, behavior modification, or prescription medications
- Be free of medical conditions that could cause serious complications during or after surgery
- Be in good mental health
- Not drink alcohol in excess
- Be a nonsmoker or have stopped smoking at least three months prior to surgery with a commitment to avoiding tobacco for the rest of your life
- Have an experienced bariatric surgeon evaluate you to determine your risk for surgery
If you’d like to become a candidate for weight-loss surgery, the first step is to participate in our pre-operative educational program. These helpful sessions address the details of weight-loss surgery and the requirements for long-term follow-up care.
Learn more about the types of weight-loss surgery available at Cooper and life after surgery.
Contact Us
To learn more about bariatric and metabolic surgery at Cooper or to schedule an appointment, please call 856.673.4500 or join us for a free weight-loss surgery informational seminar.
Refer a Patient
If you are a doctor who wants to refer a patient to Cooper, please call 856.673.4500.