Indications for bariatric surgery

You need to mee teither one of the following three conditions in order to have an indication for bariatric surgery:

Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or an excess weight of 45 kg (100 lbs) without the need of co-morbid conditions.
or
BMI between 35 and 39.9 or an excess weight of 27-45 kg (60-100 lbs) with the existence of at least one of the following of co-morbid conditions:
Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
Sleep apnea
Coronary artery disease
GERD
Degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
Infertility
Urinary stress incontinence
Lower extremity edema
or
BMI between 30 and 34.9 or an excess weight of 13.5-27 kg (30-60 lbs) with the existence of at least one of the following of co-morbid conditions:
Severe diabetes mellitus (> 5 year duration and on at least two medications)
Severe hypertension (high blood pressure) (> 5 year duration and on at least two medications)
History of myocardial infarction at an age of 50 or less
Severe sleep apnea
Severe hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) requiring at least two medications and family history of coronary artery disease at an age less than 50
Severe arthriti srequiring join treplacement

Benefits of bariatric surgery

The treatment of obesity is not only necessary for a better quality of life but also because it is associated with other serious medical conditions:

Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol (hyperlpidemia)
Coronary artery disease
Sleep apnea (snoring and daytime somnolence)
GERD (Heartburn)
Arthritis
Hypothyroidism
Infertility
Asthma
Urinary stress incontinence
Headaches

Substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery will improve or resolve all these conditions.