Patients should have:
– 100 pounds or more of excess weight; or a BMI of 40 or greater
– A BMI of 35 or greater with one or more co-morbid condition
Other common guidelines include:
– Understanding the risks of bariatric surgery
– Committing to dietary and other lifestyle changes as recommended by the surgeon
– Having a history of weight loss treatments having failed the patient
– Undergoing a complete examination including medical tests
The gallbladder concentrates and stores bile as a pear-shaped sac which it can release to help digestion after a fatty meal.