WHO CANNOT HAVE BARIATRIC SURGERY?
When Is Bariatric Surgery Not an Option?
Understanding the Medical Reasons Your Surgeon Might Say “No or Not Yet”
Bariatric surgery is life-changing, offering hope to those struggling with obesity. However, it's not suitable for everyone. In some cases, surgery may need to be postponed - or even avoided completely -due to certain health risks. Our Weight Loss Latvia surgeons will not perform bariatric surgery to a patient if the risk of having surgery is higher than the risk of living with obesity.
So, when might a bariatric surgeon decide it’s not safe to move forward?
Medical Conditions That May Prevent Surgery
Before approving anyone for weight loss surgery, our experienced medical team carefully evaluates each patient’s overall health.
The following conditions are considered contraindications - meaning they significantly increase the risk of complications or poor outcomes:
- Undergoing active cancer treatment
Surgery is usually delayed until cancer treatment is completed and the patient is stable. - Severe heart failure
When the heart can't pump effectively, the stress of surgery can be too much. - Severe lung disease
Conditions like advanced COPD or untreated sleep apnea can complicate recovery. - Unstable coronary artery disease
Poorly controlled heart disease raises the risk of a cardiac event during or after surgery. - Active alcohol or drug addiction
Ongoing substance use can interfere with recovery and long-term success. - Untreated schizophrenia or severe psychiatric disorders
Mental stability is essential for recovery after the surgery and following post-surgery lifestyle changes. - Severely impaired intellectual capacity
Surgery requires understanding and commitment to lifelong changes. - Any medical condition that makes general anaesthesia too risky
This includes advanced organ failure or poor overall physical status. - Active ulcers or significant gastrointestinal disorders
Conditions like active peptic ulcers or untreated severe inflammation in the digestive tract can increase the risk of complications and may need to be treated before surgery can be safely performed.
How We Assess Your Readiness for Surgery
To make sure bariatric surgery will be both safe and effective to the patient, we ask each patient to share detailed information about their past and current medical history. We also conduct a thorough health evaluation, which may include:
- Gastroscopy (with Weight Loss Latvia - performed under anaesthesia)
- Urine and blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
- Consultation with bariatric surgeon and anaesthesiologist
These tests help us create a clear picture of your health and decide the safest path forward. Your health and safety is our priority!
Being told you’re not yet ready for surgery can be disappointing - but it doesn’t mean it’s a permanent “no.” In many cases, with treatment or lifestyle adjustments, you may still become a candidate in the future. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Click to read more about the criteria for bariatric surgery here!