What Can Disqualify You From Bariatric Surgery? Find Out Now

Key Takeaways

• Bariatric surgery requirements depend on specific medical, psychological, and lifestyle criteria to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes.
• Certain health conditions, untreated mental health disorders, and high-risk behaviors can disqualify individuals from undergoing bariatric surgery.
• Addressing disqualifying factors through medical management, lifestyle changes, and support systems can improve eligibility for bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery can be an effective way to lose weight and improve your overall health. However, not everyone qualifies for the procedure. Understanding the factors that may disqualify you is crucial in preparing for a successful surgery and long-term health improvement.

Medical conditions, mental health concerns, lifestyle habits, and body mass index (BMI) are key considerations in determining eligibility.

This article explains the most common reasons why someone might be disqualified from bariatric surgery and what you can do to increase your chances of being approved.

Understanding Disqualification Factors

Deciding to have bariatric surgery is a big step, and knowing what might disqualify you is just as important as knowing the benefits. You want to make sure you’re a good fit for the procedure, and that means understanding the factors that could stand in the way. Some of these factors can be changed with time and effort, while others might mean surgery isn’t the right choice for you. Let’s go over what could disqualify you and what you can do about it.

Medical Conditions That May Disqualify You

Your health plays a big role in whether you qualify for bariatric surgery. Some medical conditions can make the procedure too risky. Here are a few that could be an issue:

• Chronic illnesses: If you have serious health conditions that aren’t well controlled, like severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or active cancer, surgery might not be safe. Your surgeon will want to make sure your body can handle the procedure and the recovery.
• Infectious diseases: If you have an active infection, especially one affecting your stomach or digestive system, surgery may need to wait. Infections increase the risk of complications, so they must be treated first.
• Organ dysfunction: Severe problems with your liver or kidneys can also be a concern. These organs help your body process medications and heal after surgery. If they aren’t working well, it could lead to serious complications.

If you have any of these conditions, that doesn’t necessarily mean surgery is completely off the table. In some cases, improving your health or getting treatment can make you eligible again.

Psychological Factors

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health when it comes to bariatric surgery. The journey doesn’t stop after the procedure—it’s a lifelong commitment. That’s why surgeons look at mental health history, too.

• Mental health disorders: If you have untreated conditions like severe depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it could make it harder to follow post-surgery guidelines. Mental health support before surgery can help set you up for success.
• Substance misuse: If you’re currently struggling with misusing drugs or alcohol, it could be a reason for disqualification. Bariatric surgery requires a major lifestyle change, and substance misuse can interfere with recovery and long-term success. Many clinics require you to be sober for a certain amount of time before they’ll approve surgery.
• Cognitive challenges: If you have a condition that affects your ability to make decisions or follow medical advice, surgery might not be the best option. The post-surgery lifestyle requires careful planning, and your medical team wants to make sure you can manage those changes.

If mental health concerns are holding you back, seeking therapy or treatment can help. Some people find that once they have the right support, they become eligible for surgery down the line.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Concerns

Even if your physical and mental health check out, your lifestyle choices can still affect your eligibility. Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about long-term health changes. That’s why surgeons look at behavior patterns that could make the process more difficult.

• Non-compliance: If you have a history of not following medical advice, your surgeon might worry that you won’t stick to the post-surgery guidelines. This could include missing appointments, not taking medications properly, or not following dietary recommendations.
• Risky habits: Smoking, heavy drinking, or other high-risk behaviors can disqualify you from surgery. Smoking, in particular, is a major concern because it can slow healing and increase complications.
• Lack of support: Believe it or not, your support system matters. If you don’t have friends or family who can help you during recovery, it can be harder to succeed. Some surgeons may require proof that you have a reliable support network before approving surgery.

If any of these issues apply to you, don’t lose hope. Making positive changes—like quitting smoking, improving compliance with medical advice, or building a support system—can improve your chances of qualifying. During this process, incorporating bariatric snacks and bariatric protein bars can help ease the transition to healthier eating habits.

BMI and Weight Considerations

Your weight and BMI for bariatric surgery (Body Mass Index) are significant factors in determining whether you qualify for bariatric surgery. While BMI isn’t a perfect measure, it helps health providers decide if surgery is a safe and effective option for you.

• Eligibility thresholds: Most bariatric programs require a BMI of 35 or higher, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. If your BMI is too low, your doctor might suggest other weight-loss methods instead.
• Health risks: If your BMI is extremely high, surgery could be riskier. In some cases, doctors recommend losing a small amount of weight before surgery to lower the risk of complications.
• Alternative measures: BMI isn’t the only way to assess your health. Some medical providers also look at body composition, metabolic health, and overall medical history. If you don’t meet the standard BMI requirements, your medical provider might consider other factors to determine eligibility.

What You Can Do Next

If you’re wondering, “Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?” the best thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider. Many disqualifications aren’t permanent, and with the right steps, you might still be able to move forward. Here’s what you can do:

• Improve your health – Work with your medical provider to manage chronic conditions, quit smoking, or improve your overall fitness.
• Seek mental health support: If you have untreated mental health conditions or a history of substance misuse, getting professional help can increase your chances of being approved.
• Build a strong support system: Make sure you have friends, family, or a support group to help you through the process.
• Follow medical advice: Show your healthcare providers that you’re committed by following their recommendations and attending all required appointments.

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision, and making sure you’re fully prepared is the key to success. If you’re serious about it, there are ways to improve your eligibility and set yourself up for the best possible outcome.

When is bariatric surgery recommended? The answer depends on multiple factors, including your BMI, health conditions, and ability to maintain long-term lifestyle changes. Your doctor will help determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Conclusion

There are several factors that can disqualify you from bariatric surgery, including unmanaged medical conditions, mental health concerns, substance misuse, and certain lifestyle habits. Your BMI and overall health also play a role in determining eligibility. However, many of these obstacles can be addressed with the right medical care, lifestyle changes, and support. 

If you’re asking yourself, “Is bariatric surgery right for me?”, take proactive steps to improve your health and follow your medical provider’s recommendations. By doing so, you’ll not only increase your chances of qualifying but also set yourself up for long-term success after surgery.

How Bari Life Can Help

Bari Life offers a range of products designed to support individuals before and after bariatric surgery. Their bariatric vitamins and supplements are tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of patients undergoing procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

For those who have trouble swallowing pills, bariatric vitamins chewable and bariatric calcium chews provide easy alternatives that support essential nutrient absorption. Additionally, a bariatric multivitamin with iron ensures that you maintain proper iron levels, which is a common deficiency after surgery.

 Incorporating Bari Life products into your pre- and post-surgery regimen can aid in preparation, recovery, and promote long-term health. Explore their offerings to find supplements that align with your specific needs.

Take charge of your health journey today by exploring Bari Life’s comprehensive range of bariatric vitamins and supplements to support your surgical success and overall well-being.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: 

• What is a Bariatric Patient?
• How Quickly Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?
• How To Get Bariatric Surgery Fast?
• How To Pass a Bariatric Psych Evaluation?
• Can You Have Bariatric Surgery If You Have H Pylori?

Resource List

Eisenberg, D., et al. (2022). 2022 American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Obesity Surgery. 

Janik, M. R., & Aryaie, A. H. (2020). The effect of smoking on bariatric surgical 30-day outcomes: Propensity-score-matched analysis of the MBSAQIP. Surgical Endoscopy.