Weight loss surgery could involve one of numerous procedures, such as gastric band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and duodenal switch (DS). Not qualifying for weight loss surgery will depend on whether you are obese or not, whether your health is suffering as a result of your obesity and whether you are committed to weight loss.

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK provides guidance on eligibility for weight loss or obesity surgery. The guidance provided is to help those who are obese to consider whether weight loss surgery is right for them or not. The guidance consists of:

• Obesity classification
• Obesity and ill-health
• Obesity and weight loss challenges

Obesity classification

Research indicates that those who are considered obese due to a 30 kg/m² or more Body Mass Index (BMI) and who have weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, do benefit health-wise, because of the reduction of their weight. Weight-reduction through surgery can not only change obesity classifications due to a lower BMI, but can also change a person’s lifestyle choices and life opportunities.

Obesity and ill-health

A medical practitioner can help you determine if you are obese and how obesity is affecting your health and life activities. Healthy and non-healthy ways of living are our choices to make and so it is also our decision on how we want to be treated for obesity. When health severely deteriorates due to obesity, doctors sometimes recommend surgery, but the normal advice for those who want to lose weight is to positively change diet and exercise habits. If you lack information on the subject, you can speak with your doctor, who can help you make an informed decision about your weight and well-being. People who are obese may suffer socially and from physical and psychological problems. Giving up is an option, but weight loss surgery can positively change your life experience.

Obesity and weight loss challenges

People who are overweight or obese may try a number of ways to lose weight, such as diet, diet-pills and drinks, exercise, and changes to lifestyle. Regardless of all methods tried, sometimes weight and ill-health may remain uncontrollable or unmanageable, but these attempts to lose weight show your doctor how committed you are to weight loss. This dedication to weight loss is important, as your historical commitment is a qualification for weight loss surgery and for healthy success.