The requirements for gastric bypass surgery are in place to insure that the best candidates for success receive surgical intervention as a part of their weight loss program. One of the most obvious requirements is severe obesity, or morbid obesity.

Morbid obesity generally means that a person is 100 pounds or more overweight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is also used to determine a person’s eligibility for weight loss surgery. A BMI of 40 is a general requirement; however, a person with a BMI of 35 with other obesity related health issues may also be a good candidates for weight loss surgery.

The BMI is used to determine who is at greatest risk for obesity related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other significant illnesses. Because health care professionals are most concerned with improving a patient’s health, not necessarily their physical attributes such as size, gastric bypass surgery is not considered cosmetic surgery, but a treatment for a life threatening disease: obesity.

Other requirements for gastric bypass surgery are related to mental health. Many obese people have psychological conditions that lead to unhealthy eating. Gastric bypass surgery does not alter any psychosis, and mental health issues must be resolved before the anatomical changes of gastric bypass. If patients over-eat due to a psychosis after surgery, they can rupture the stomach and create significant health complications.

Many physicians also require that patients try other weight loss options before authorizing gastric bypass surgery. Because of the significant risk of complications from surgery, attempting to loose weight through diet and exercise will not only determine if weight loss is possible, but show a patient’s commitment to living a healthier life-style.

Once the requirements are satisfied, patients should discuss with their health providers their options for the type of weight loss surgery best for their situation. Unfortunately, not all obese people are good candidates for weight loss surgery and it is important to work with experienced health providers.