Generally, bariatric surgery is recommended for patients who have unsuccessfully tried diets, exercise and nutritional counseling and who are committed to making lifestyle changes.  Additionally, you must be committed to the lifelong follow-up of medical care.

From a weight perspective, you may qualify as a bariatric surgery candidate if:

• You have a BMI of 40 or more, you are twice your ideal weight, or you weigh 100 pounds over your ideal weight
• You have a BMI of 35-40 with an obesity-related condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or sleep apnea 

It is important to note that no two bariatric surgery patients are alike. Our team of board-certified bariatric surgeons and medical experts will consider each patient’s case individually by reviewing:

• Weight 
• Medical conditions related to obesity
• Willingness to follow medical recommendations before and after surgery 
• Your support system of family and friends
• Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery At Piedmont Hospital

Additionally, as a patient, it is important to consider and weigh the long-term benefits and risks of these surgeries.  

Potential long-term benefits include reduction of:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure 
• Sleep apnea 
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease

Potential complications include:

• Infection 
• Blood clots 
• Pneumonia 
• Bleeding 
• Development of gallstones 
• Need for additional surgery

Based on all of these factors, you and your Piedmont physician collectively determine if bariatric surgery is the right option for you.