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If you are considering bariatric surgery, you already know that clinical obesity is a debilitating medical condition that resists treatment. You also may know that bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that carries serious risks as well as great rewards. Make sure that you cannot achieve necessary weight loss through other means before you commit to bariatric surgery. Learn as much as you can about its benefits, its possible complications, and what to expect in the days, weeks, months and years following a bariatric procedure.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Criteria a BMI of 40 or greater or BMI of 35-40 with significant co-morbidities and documented dietary attempts ineffective meets criteria.



At Baptist Bariatric Center the criteria for surgery are:

  • Meet NIH criteria.
  • No endocrine (ie. Thyroid) cause of obesity.
  • No uncontrolled psychological, drug or alcohol problems.
  • Failed medically supervised weight-loss attempts.
  • Demonstrate clear understanding of surgical options, possible short-term and long-term risks and complications.
  • Dedicated to recommended life style change and long term follow up recommendations.

The Baptist Hospital Bariatric Center provides you with services and support to help you succeed in your post-operative life. Prior to your surgery, you will meet with a psychologist specializing in weight-related issues to ensure that bariatric surgery is right for you. You also will undergo a nutritional evaluation with a registered dietician specializing in the nutritional needs of bariatric patients. To prepare you for your surgery, you must attend one of the center’s weekly pre-operative education classes, which are conducted by our dietician and bariatric nurse liaison. You will learn specifics about the surgery, the recovery process and the nutritional requirements that follow a gastric bypass procedure.

What you need to know: