Requirements for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure. Even though a person may want to have the surgery, there are several requirements that must be met before a surgeon will approve someone for gastric bypass surgery.

Age

• A candidate for weight loss surgery should be between the ages of 18 and 65. In some cases, older children can have gastric bypass surgery with a parent's permission.

Mental Health

• People who elect to have gastric bypass surgery go through a mental health screening to ensure they are emotionally and mentally prepared to deal with the changes after surgery.

Weight

• Most surgeons require a patient to be at least 100 lbs. greater than the optimal weight for their height and gender. This weight restriction may be lowered in special circumstances related to other health issues.

Physical Health

• Physical health is an issue for gastric bypass surgery candidates. They must be healthy enough to survive a major surgical procedure. In some cases, a patient who is fewer than 100 lbs. overweight may be eligible for surgery if he has health issues related to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Attitude

• A person who elects to have gastric bypass surgery must show a willingness to change her lifestyle and adopt new eating habits to assist in the weight loss process.