|  You may be a candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery if you meet the following criteria:
- You are an adult with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women), or a BMI above 35 with a serious obesity-related health problem, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, joint pain or depression. (Use this BMI calculator.)
- You have failed to lose weight through non-surgical options, including diet and exercise.
- You are well informed about bariatric weight loss procedures along with associated medical risks, the effects of treatment and possible complications or failures.
- You fully understand and accept how your life will change after surgery.
- You are dedicated to maintaining healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and long-term medical care.
It is important to remember that while weight loss surgery is an effective and potentially life-saving option, it is not an easy way out. There is no guarantee that surgery will produce and sustain weight loss. Similar to conventional methods, your ultimate success depends on your commitment to behavioral changes and follow-up care.
Source: NIDDK: Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity
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