Firstly, we are so pleased you are reading this and looking into options to improve your health.
We have compiled a list of medical considerations we take into account when first assessing patients for surgery, which may help you decide whether this is the right pathway for you.
Our suitability assessment is based on international guidelines underpinned by long-term research of health outcomes. When we follow these guidelines, we achieve safe, sustainable health results for our patients.
For patients selected using these guidelines, surgery brings significant improvement in overall life expectancy, improvement or resolution of diabetes in 90% of cases and reduction in death due to heart disease or cancer by 60%.
These guidelines are published by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic & Obesity Surgery Society. They were first published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus statement of 1991.
Medical Considerations for Bariatric Surgery
- Body Mass Index (BMI) meets one of the below descriptions:
- BMI greater than 40 with NO associated health problem
- BMI greater than 35 WITH an associated health problem
- BMI greater than 37 with NO associated health problem for those of Asian or Pacific Island ancestry*
- BMI greater than 32 WITH an associated health problem for those of Asian or Pacific Island ancestry*
- BMI greater than 30 with recent onset diabetes
* Research has shown health problems are more common at a lower BMI for those of Asian or Pacific Island ancestry.
- You have tried other means of weight loss in the past
- For women, you are not currently pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next 12 months
- You are between the age of 18 to 65 years old
- No addiction to drugs and are a non-smoker
- You are motivated, well-informed of your options and risks, as well as committed to long-term lifestyle changes. A consultation with us will give you this information and support.
Further Individual Considerations
- Overall health and wellbeing must be considered on an individual basis for each patient. Many times, health problems will need to be improved to make surgery, anaesthetic and recovery as safe possible. Safety is our priority.
- Patients who have had previous or multiple operations, scarring inside the abdomen is likely and can make certain procedures problematic. In some situations, scarring may determine keyhole surgery unsafe. Then, consideration of a larger incision will be guided by potential benefits to be gained for the patient.
- Mental health has a big impact on how successful health outcomes are after weight loss surgery. Robust mental health plans may be required for some patients, for instance where eating disorders may have been experienced.
If you would like to discuss surgery and the ways in which we can help you achieve your health goals, please contact us to book a consultation.
