High-BMI Bariatric Surgery: Helping More Patients Improve Their Health and Confidence
Some patients considering weight-loss surgery may worry that their body mass index (BMI) is too high to be approved for the procedure.
However, all patients should reap the benefits of weight-loss surgery. Patients with a BMI of 75 or higher may still be candidates for high-BMI bariatric surgery at Tijuana Bariatrics.
Are you ready to take control of your weight?
Determining Your Body Mass Index
BMI refers to a method of evaluating a person’s body fat by comparing the ratio of their body weight to their height squared. To determine your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703. Next, divide that number by your inches in height, and then divide that result by your inches in height again. Alternatively, you can use the metric system. Simply divide your weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
A BMI of 40 or higher is typically required for a patient to undergo bariatric surgery, although some procedures may be recommended for patients with a BMI as low as 30.
Evaluating Your Condition
Your BMI will fall into one of several classifications:
- <18.5 is underweight
- 18.6 - 24.9 is normal weight
- 25 - 29.9 is overweight
- 30 - 34.9 is considered class I obesity
- 35 - 39.9 is considered class II obesity
- >40 is considered class III obesity
Patients should be aware that a BMI of 25 or above is connected to an increased incidence of health problems, or comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. With a BMI of 40 or more, there is a well-documented and dramatic rise in the incidence of obesity-related comorbidities. For these reasons, bariatric surgery can provide a crucial lifeline for patients who have been unsuccessful losing weight on their own.
The Relationship Between BMIs and Bariatric Surgery
A BMI of 40 or higher is typically required for a patient to undergo bariatric surgery, although some procedures may be recommended for patients with a BMI as low as 30. One type of bariatric surgery may be considered more appropriate for certain BMI ranges. For example, LAP-BAND® may be suitable for someone with a BMI of 30, but not for a patient with a BMI of 55. Greater surgical risks, such as poor wound healing, hernia, and pneumonia, are associated with higher BMIs. For this reason, some surgeons choose not to operate on patients with very high BMIs. The maximum BMI that is considered safe for surgery will depend on a patient’s health history, the location of their fatty tissue, and the surgeon's policy.
Surgeon with Unique Experience
Patients with very high BMIs may feel discouraged and caught in a loop: although weight loss is required before surgery, you might not be able to find success on your own. Fortunately, our surgeons have performed weight-loss procedures for patients with BMIs of 75 and even higher. Our network of surgeons has carried out thousands of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, revisional and second surgeries.
Contact Tijuana Bariatrics Today
Take the first step towards a healthier and happier body and mind by contacting Tijuana Bariatrics today.
