https://www.cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/lipids-metabolic/new-criteria-extend-eligibility-bariatric-surgery

"The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s latest publish as a step in the right direction for patients who are obese but might not meet current criteria for bariatric surgery. Right now those criteria, which are three decades old, are “arbitrarily” based on a patient’s body mass index and don’t account for other confounding factors.

“Too many see obesity as a problem of willpower, and it’s simply not,” Brethauer, a co-author of the new guidelines, said in a statement. “Patients must participate in their care by making healthy lifestyle changes, but the most effective treatment is often surgery, and that should be an option for patients who would benefit.”

I read somewhere recently that some insurance companies are accepting diabetes patients for WLS regarding of their weight. It's being used simply as a treatment for diabetes if medications fail. I don't like the BMI criteria.... a niece of my coworker PURPOSELY gained 20lbs so she could have the surgery. There definitely should be some medical reason, though, if you're not obese to have the surgery.

Edited July 23, 20197 yr by mousecat88