Bariatric surgery requirements and eligibility

We run a series of tests to be sure you’re healthy enough for bariatric surgery. The tests check for obesity-related diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, vascular disease, or depression) and how they affect your health.

Screening tests may include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Blood studies including a complete blood count (CBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cortisol, creatinine, electrolytes, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Cardiac clearance
• Chest x-ray
• Echocardiogram (ECG)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Liver function tests
• Medical clearance
• Pulmonary function tests
• Sleep study
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation

Our dietitians evaluate your weight loss history and current eating behaviors using a weight and diet history questionnaire. They’ll also provide counseling and guidance to prepare you for life after surgery. We work with you to develop a post-surgery nutrition plan that may include vitamin and mineral supplements.

Bariatric surgery changes your relationship with food. Our psychological evaluation ensures you’re ready for the changes surgery will bring. Our mental health professional will assess your:

• Current psychological function
• Eating behaviors
• Level of physical activity
• Psychiatric history
• Weight and dieting history

You’ll learn about behavioral changes required for the best post-operative results and psychological changes you may experience after surgery.

We will verify your insurance coverage before your first appointment. We send all necessary documentation to your insurance provider for preauthorization, and help you meet all insurance requirements throughout the process. Penn Medicine is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Many insurance carriers require patients to have bariatric surgery at a MBSAQIP accredited center.