Am I a Candidate?

Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Your body mass index (BMI) is the initial factor that determines whether you'll qualify for weight loss surgery. A BMI between 18 and 25 is desirable. A BMI over 25 suggests you're overweight, while 30-39 indicates you're obese. A BMI of 40+ suggests morbid obesity.

BMI Calculator

Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?

You're considered an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery if you meet any of the following criteria:

Your BMI is 40 or higher.
You'll qualify with a BMI 40 or higher, or if you're at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight (as determined by standard life insurance tables).

Your BMI is 35 or more AND you have coexisting medical problems.
If you have a BMI of 35 or greater AND you've been diagnosed with coexisting medical problems (comorbidities) related to your obesity, you will likely qualify for surgery. Comorbidities include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea and high cholesterol.

Your BMI is 30 or more AND you have coexisting medical problems.
Adjustable gastric banding is FDA approved for those with a BMI of 30 or greater with comorbidities.

You've failed to lose weight under supervision. 
You'll usually qualify if you've failed to lose weight after at least two supervised attempts at weight loss, such as a physician-prescribed diet, behavior modification, counseling with a dietitian, or enrollment in a group weight reduction program (i.e., Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Overeaters Anonymous, etc.).