Am I a Candidate

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, body builders and people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but are not overweight or obese.

BMI is usually a good indicator of body fat for most people. Although it doesn’t directly measure body fat, it closely correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing. BMI is also an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method that can help determine if a person’s current weight could potentially lead to health problems.

It’s important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool. Whether a person has a high BMI or low BMI, an individual’s personal measurement should be left to a reputable doctor to determine if excess weight is a health risk. Further assessments may need to be completed including:

• Family History
• Evaluations of Diet and Physical Activity
• Skinfold Thickness Measurements

BMI Calculator

If you want to compare your weight status to others, BMI is a great method of analysis.

Obese - Speak to a physician about the best weight-loss options, including nutrition counseling and exercise programs for your lifestyle.

Severely Obese - If you have other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, you may qualify for bariatric surgery. Speak to your doctor or a bariatric surgeon about your weight-loss options.

Morbidly Obese - People who are classified as morbidly obese have a high likelihood of life-threatening diseases and even death. Talk to your doctor about whether bariatric surgery may be right for you.

Super Obese - These people are at the highest risk of death due to their weight and complications from their excessive weight. Bariatric surgery may be necessary and should be discussed with your doctor.

If your life seems like a long, uphill struggle with obesity, failed diets and unsuccessful exercise attempts, bariatric surgery could be the weight-loss solution you need. While weight-loss surgery can transform your life, it’s not for everyone.

To be a candidate for obesity surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ or a BMI of 35+ with an obesity-related disease, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

BMI is just the starting point on your journey back to health. To ensure your health, safety and peace of mind, the Weight-loss Surgery Program evaluates each candidate. This effort reflects our commitment to providing a full-service weight-loss surgery program.

Meeting with a Surgeon

Your first step begins with a private consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons. He will discuss the benefits and risks of surgery and will answer your questions. You will be asked about your previous diet and exercise attempts. Medical tests may be required. If you qualify for obesity surgery based on your consultation, we will schedule your evaluation.

Weight-loss Surgery Evaluations

The Weight-loss Program at Keyhole Surgery Centre provides pre- and post-surgery counseling and testing. This prepares you for surgery by addressing challenges you may face before and after your procedure. Our weight-loss specialists conduct the following evaluations:

Psychosocial Assessment

Weight-loss surgery is a life-altering procedure. You must be emotionally ready to deal with the substantial changes you will experience after surgery. To help you mentally prepare, our staff will ensure that you:

• Have a good support system
• Understand the importance of maintaining new routines after surgery
• Have a realistic plan for post-op physical recuperation

So that you understand what to expect after surgery, our social worker will discuss these changes with you. She will provide information about your post-op care and our weight-loss support groups.

Nutritional Counseling

Your after-surgery diet has a major influence on your surgery’s success. Our registered dietitians will provide you with nutritional counseling and a personalized nutrition plan. They will evaluate your nutritional needs and teach you to make healthy choices. Even after your hospital stay, you may contact your dietitian to discuss your dietary concerns.

Additional Testing

A comprehensive model of care, Keyhole Surgery Centre also offers pre-surgery testing, such as cardiac testing, sleep studies, X-rays and blood work. The condition of your health determines whether you need testing before surgery.