Who is Suitable for Obesity Surgery?
Obesity surgery is an effective but serious medical treatment option that provides a permanent solution to health problems caused by excess weight. However, not every overweight individual is a suitable candidate for surgery.
The decision for surgery should be based not only on weight but also on the individual’s overall health status, accompanying diseases, duration of obesity, and previous treatment history.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
The first evaluation for obesity surgery is done based on Body Mass Index (BMI).
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
According to BMI results:
- BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²: Suitable for surgical treatment.
- BMI 35–39.9 kg/m²: Surgery is recommended if there are additional diseases like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or fatty liver.
- BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²: If there are treatment-resistant serious metabolic disorders (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension), special evaluation may be performed.
The “Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Clinical Protocol (2021)” published by the Ministry of Health of Turkey legally and ethically defines this framework.
Who is Not Suitable for Obesity Surgery?
- Individuals with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders (those under control are excluded from this evaluation)
- Individuals with alcohol or substance addiction (those who have been treated and do not use are excluded)
- Those who have gained weight due to hormonal disorders, but these disorders have not been treated
- Individuals who are predicted to be unable to comply with post-surgery instructions
When is the Decision for Obesity Surgery Made?
Patients typically have tried diets, exercise, medication, and various weight loss attempts for many years.
They have heard warnings like, “If you lose weight, you can stop your diabetes medication” or “Your weight is worsening your back pain” multiple times.
Now, for individuals who want to get rid of this weight that seriously threatens their health and move on to a high-quality, active life, surgery is not a “last resort,” but an effective starting point.
What Are the Main Goals of Surgery?
- To achieve weight loss
- To reduce obesity-related morbidity (additional diseases) and mortality (death)
- To reverse metabolic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
- To improve quality of life and ensure independence in daily activities
Are You Suitable for Surgery?
- To evaluate your health condition and learn whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery, please Request a Medical Evaluation
- To calculate your BMI:
