What could rule me out for Weight Loss Surgery? - Obesity Surgery Guide

In reality there are only a few pre-existing medical conditions which would rule out weight loss surgery.  However, as there are criteria for suitability for surgery there are equally, a set of criteria for the exclusion of surgery (called ‘contra-indications').

These are:

• Under 15 or over 75 (although there are some exceptions to this).
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Autoimmune disease such as scleroderma.
• History of heart disease or lung problems.  These increase your risk whilst under anaesthesia.
• History of any major psychiatric illness.
• Blood disorder that predisposes you to excessive bleeding or problems with blood clotting.
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease (definitely rules you out).
• History of severe pancreatitis.
• Pregnancy (definitely rules you out).
• Long term steroid treatment.
• Receiving treatment for cancer (chemotherapy etc).  This definitely rules you out.
• Drug and/or alcohol addiction.
• Any pre-existing condition which may cause bleeding in the stomach or oesophagus (definitely rules you out). 

Some of these are more ‘flexible' than others such as the age limit.  However, there are some contra-indications such as cancer treatment which mean that surgery would NOT be performed.