Am I a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Dr. del Pino performs comprehensive evaluations and patient consultations before recommending any surgery or treatment. This approach helps enhance patient safety and reduces the risk of complications.

Remember that only a personal consultation with Dr. del Pino or a bariatric surgery surgery specialist can help you determine whether you are a weight loss surgery candidate and which surgery is the best option for you.

Please find below the general guidelines for weight loss surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery is right for you if:

  • You are at least 18 years old.

  • Your BMI is 30 or higher (35 if you want to use your insurance)

  • Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.

  • You may be suffering from serious health problems related to obesity.

  • You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.

  • You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.

  • You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you.

  • You do not drink alcohol in excess.

Weight Loss Surgery is not right for you if:

  • You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.

  • You have severe heart or lung disease.

  • You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.

  • You have portal hypertension.

  • You have cirrhosis.

  • You have chronic pancreatitis.

  • You are pregnant.

Check Your BMI

The body mass index (BMI) is a number that determines if your weight is healthy.

BMI less than 18.5 - Underweight range

BMI 18.5 to 25 - Healthy weight range

25.0 to 30 BMI - Overweight range

BMI 30.0 or higher - Obesity range

If your BMI is 30 or higher you may be a candidate for Bariatric Surgery.

If Bariatric Surgery is included in your plan, insurance companies will start covering for Bariatric Surgery at a minimum BMI of 35 if you have a diagnosis of health conditions related to obesity.

Why bariatric surgery?

There are many ways bariatric surgery can help you! It is not only about confidence and comfort, bariatric surgery has many proven health benefits, which range from resolving type 2 diabetes to longer life expectancy.*

Furthermore, over the years, weight-loss surgery has proven to be a successful method for the treatment of morbid obesity. Currently, bariatric surgery is the only long term successful treatment for morbid obesity (BMI>35). Studies have shown that gastric bypass patients may improve life expectancy by 89% and reduce risk of premature death by 30% to 40%.*

*Individual results may vary

Our Procedures

  • This is a restrictive type of procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach (we remove 70-80%), thereby limiting food intake as well as the sensation of hunger by lowering… Learn More

  • The Gastric Bypass is widely regarded as a safe and effective way to lose excess weight and treat obesity related disorders, such as diabetes. Learn More

  • The mini-gastric bypass, or single anastomosis gastric bypass, is an effective and well-established procedure which combines some of the properties of a gastric sleeve and a standard gastric bypass. Learn More

  • The ideal patient for a duodenal switch has more weight to lose, particularly patients with a BMI over 50… Learn More

  • Find out your options if you already had failed weight loss surgery. Learn more

Patient Testimonials

  • "I had a Gastric Bypass in December 2017 and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. Before the surgery I was weighing 340 lbs and on multiple medications. I lost over 100 lbs and no more symptoms or medications! I work out on a regular basis and feel much better. The surgery added years of life! I highly recommend Dr. Del Pino along with his support staff."

    Gilbert Conde

  • "It has been 1 year and 7 months since I had the Duodenal Switch and I couldn’t be any happier with my results. I am down 215 lbs! I am forever grateful to Dr. del Pino, he’s the best!”

    Jacqueline Olivares

  • “There is no better time to take back control of your health and body than right now. Weight loss will help eliminate so many health issues since so many diseases are influenced by excessive weight. The sooner that you start, the sooner you will be on your way to a healthier "you". I personally want to encourage you. I have lost 260 pounds. I have regained my health and self-esteem.”

    Mark Free

  • I had a Gastric Bypass on May 2021. 300 lbs on left and 150 lbs on the right. I was diabetic and had Severe Obstructed Sleep Apnea. Off all medications! I'm feeling very energetic and full of life. Feel like I can accomplish anything that life brings me. Thank you Dr. Del Pino. God Bless you always.

    Ruben Nordhausen

  • “Having surgery 2 years ago was the best decision of my life. He did his part and I have done my part and have lost 190 lbs with no regain. Have not had any problems. Dr. Del Pino was very honest and explained procedure thoroughly and eased all my fears. His staff was so amazing and helpful. He is very caring and compassionate in helping those who suffer obesity. Love this doctor, he’s the best Thank You Dr. Del Pino for helping me get my life back. “

    Mary Elizabeth

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