When it comes to determining if obesity surgery is right for you, there are a number of factors that you will need to take into consideration. One of those factors is your current BMI (Body Mass Index). If you need to calculate your BMI, please go to: BMI Calculator.

The option of surgical treatment is only open to patients who are severe obese, well informed, motivated, and understand the surgical procedures. The patient should be able to participate in treatment and long term follow-up. A decision to elect surgical treatment requires an assessment of the risk and benefit in each case.

There are strict guidelines for bariatric surgeons to obide with. Additional health insurance programs might add other qualifications.

Morbid obese patients, those with a body mass index over 40, health is at serious risk and do qualify.

Patients whose BMI exceeds 40 are potential candidates for surgery if they strongly desire substantial weight loss, because morbid obesity severely impairs the quality of their lives. They must clearly and realistically understand how their lives may change after surgery.

Patients who has a BMI between 35 and 40 and a medical condition (obesity-related health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemias, sleep apnea, coronary insufficiency, gastroes-ophageal reflux disease, depression, knee or hip osteoarthritis and other related conditions) that would be improved by losing weight might qualify as well.

In all cases patients must has made serious and prolonged attempts to lose weight by other means under appropriate medical supervision.

As with all surgical procedures, obesity surgery has risks and complications depending on the chosen procedure. When the latest, advanced techniques are available through a highly qualified surgical team, utilizing a first class renowned hospital which offers full support, the rate of complications and mortality are extremely low.

Risk and efficacy of operations for obesity must be understood in the context that severe obesity is a chronic, frequently progressive, life threatening disease. Obesity itself is a great health risk.