To be considered a candidate for weight loss surgery, you must meet certain criteria. These are based on guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health.

You may qualify for Medical Weight Loss if you:

• Have a BMI of 25 or greater - (Calculate your BMI)

You may qualify for weight loss surgery if you:

• Have a BMI in the obese or morbidly obese range
• BMI of 40 or greater (approximately 80 lbs. overweight)  - (Calculate your BMI)
• Have a BMI of 35-39.9 and diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, debilitating arthritis, or other pre-existing health issues related to obesity - (Calculate your BMI)
• Are unlikely to lose weight successfully with further non-surgical methods
• Have an obesity-related physical problemthat interferes with your daily activities (i.e., walking, employment, family function)
• Have a high-risk obesity-related illness, such as:
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity-related heart disease

Even if you meet the medical criteria for weight loss surgery, it is important to consider the long term commitment to health that is required after surgery. Weight loss surgery may be appropriate for you if you are:

• Determined to lose weight and improve your health
• Well-informed about the surgery and how it will change your life
• Inability to eat large meals
• Need to chew thoroughly
• Aware of the risks of the procedure, including the possibility of failure
• Committed to lifelong medical follow-up
• Committed to continuing lifestyle changes to go along with the surgery
• Willing to speak with medical professionals and/or other patients who have had a similar procedure

There are many potential benefits of weight loss surgery, including:

• effective long-term weight loss
• improvement or resolution of obesity-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes
• lower risk for other chronic conditions that have obesity as a risk factor, such as heart disease and some cancers
• better overall quality of life

There are also risks that come with weight loss procedures.

• All surgical procedures come with some risk of complications, such as:
• wound infection
• pain
• blood loss
• After surgery, your body takes in fewer nutrients. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery are making a lifelong commitment to follow dietary guidelines and take supplements. 

It is important to speak to your physician about all of the possible benefits and risks. You can also learn more in our online Integrated Learning Center.