Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other treatment options. As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with weight loss procedures. If complications occur during a minimally invasive or laparoscopic (key-hole) operation, your doctor may choose to perform open surgery. Your doctor must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate.
Indications
Bariatric surgery is typically reserved for morbidly obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of atleast 40kg/m2 or a BMI of atleast 35kg/m2 with one or more comorbid conditions, or those who are 45.4 kg or more overweight. It is indicated for use only in morbidly obese adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives such as supervised diet, excercise and behaviour modification programs.
