Close
Call 845-333-2123
In this section

Am I a Candidate?

Live your best life.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?


Obesity can significantly reduce your quality of life and lead to a range of serious health issues. Excess weight contributes to chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. It can also cause joint problems like arthritis, chronic pain, and reduced mobility, as well as increase the risk for certain cancers, sleep apnea, and mental health issues.

While lifestyle habits are a factor, obesity is often genetic. At Garnet Health, our bariatric program team understands that weight gain has multiple causes. We have the expertise to determine the most appropriate treatment and will provide the support, education, and compassion you need for a positive experience.

Whether you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery depends on several medical, physical, and behavioral factors.

Factors that may determine if you are a candidate:

Here’s a general overview of the common eligibility criteria.

  • Body Mass Index (BMI)

    BMI > 40 (extremely obese) or BMI > 35 with at least one obesity-related condition, such as:

    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Sleep apnea
    • Heart disease
    • Fatty liver disease

  • Previous weight loss attempts

    You've tried medically supervised weight loss (diet, exercise, medications) without long-term success.

  • Age

    Typically between 18–65 years old, though some programs allow younger or older patients depending on the risks and benefits.

  • Commitment to lifestyle changes

    You are willing to commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including:

    • Dietary adjustments
    • Regular physical activity
    • Ongoing medical follow-up
    • Psychological support if appropriate/needed

  • Psychological readiness

    You do not have any untreated major psychiatric disorders (examples: severe depression, eating disorders, substance abuse). Some programs require a psychological evaluation.

You may not be a candidate if:

  • You have severe, uncontrolled mental health issues.
  • You’re not physically healthy enough for surgery.
  • You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon after surgery.
  • You’re not ready to commit to the lifelong changes needed post-surgery.
couple walking outside

Begin your journey of transformation with us.

Find out if you qualify for weight loss surgery.

Take the quiz

Types of weight loss surgery we offer:

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat.

The bariatric surgeon creates a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach by stapling it together. The surgeon then attaches part of the small intestine to the new pouch, effectively “bypassing” the part of the stomach that has been sealed off. This bypass reduces the number of calories and amount of nutrients the body absorbs.

Sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive operation for obesity that limits food intake but does not interfere with the normal digestive process.

The bariatric surgeon removes approximately 75% of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines. A smaller stomach physically restricts the amount of food consumption, and it also causes a significant decrease (by 90%) in the body’s release of ghrelin hormone (hunger hormone).

Gastric banding

Gastric banding is a restrictive operation for obesity that limits food intake but does not interfere with the normal digestive process.

The bariatric surgeon places an inflatable, adjustable band around the stomach near its upper end and fills it with a salt solution. This partitions the stomach into two parts and creates a small opening that allows limited food to pass through each section, resulting in feeling full more quickly and eating less.

What to expect when preparing for bariatric surgery

Preparing for bariatric surgery involves medical evaluations, lifestyle changes, and education to set you up for long-term success. Success starts before surgery. The more you prepare—mentally, physically, and emotionally—the smoother your recovery and the better your long-term results will be.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Medical evaluations

You’ll undergo a full health assessment to determine your readiness:

  • Lab tests and imaging, including bloodwork, EKG, and a sleep study
  • Nutritional evaluation with a dietitian
  • Psychological evaluation to assess emotional readiness and support needs
  • Consultations with specialists if you have heart, lung, or endocrine conditions

2. Nutrition and weight loss

You will be asked to follow a pre-surgery diet:

  • High-protein, low-carb, low-sugar meals
  • Portion control and mindful eating
  • Consuming a mainly liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery

3. Lifestyle changes

  • Quit smoking
  • Limit alcohol or stop entirely
  • Begin regular physical activity if approved by your doctor
  • Establish a support system (family, friends, or support groups)

4. Education and support

You’ll be required to attend:

  • Bariatric pre-op education classes (what to expect before, during, and after surgery)
  • Support groups to connect with others on the same journey
  • Informed consent discussions covering benefits, risks, and long-term outcomes

5. Insurance and pre-authorization

  • Submit records of past weight loss efforts
  • Complete all required appointments and evaluations
  • Wait for insurance approval, which occurs after you have completed your medical clearances, pre-op education class, and two pre-op support group meetings.

6. Final weeks before surgery

  • Follow your exact pre-op diet
  • Stop certain medications or supplements as instructed
  • Prepare your home and meals for post-op recovery
  • Arrange time off work and transportation for the surgery and follow-up visits

Next steps:

Get in touch

1. Get in touch with us.

Call 845-333-2123 to talk to a Garnet Health weight loss expert or request a consultation.

Elevate your coverage

2. Evaluate your coverage.

Check your insurance coverage—many plans require a documented weight loss history and pre-surgical evaluations.

Get involved - take the quiz

3. Get involved.

Consider taking our quiz or attending one of our introductory seminars.

Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medicine Management Program

Losing weight is not easy, but the bariatric program team at Garnet Health understands your concerns and is ready to partner with you to craft a personalized weight loss plan that leads to long-term success. Meet our expert team and learn more about our weight loss options.