The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the recognized standard for assessing levels of obesity. It is a formula that determines the composition of the relative amounts of body fat as compared to muscle and bone. Once the BMI reaches 40, you are considered to be morbidly obese. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a BMI of 40 or more places you at an extremely high risk for weight-related illnesses and premature death. At this degree of obesity, you may have already developed weight-related illnesses.

Before you can be considered a candidate for surgical treatment of obesity, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Have a BMI of 40 or greater; or,
• Have a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more weight related illnesses.

Weight loss surgery should only be contemplated when health risks are extremely high. Before proceeding with surgery, you should consider the possible risks and weigh them against the potential benefits. Your physician will assess various factors to determine whether or not you should be temporarily or permanently excluded from undergoing weight loss surgery.