​Bariatric surgery candidates must meet the following National Institutes of Health guidelines:
Patients should be well informed and motivated to participate in treatment, lifestyle and behavioral changes, as well as in long-term follow-up.
Morbid obesity has severely impaired the health, quality of life and daily activities of the patient.
Patients must be 100 pounds over ideal calculated weight or have body mass index (BMI)* of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 to 40 with other health problems associated with obesity, such as sleep apnea, back pain, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.
A history of unsuccessful results from other weight-loss programs has been experienced by the patient.
Patients should be free of mental and physical indications that may potentially prevent a successful surgical outcome and beneficial lifestyle change.
*BMI is a weight and height calculation that measures body fat and health risks that are associated with being overweight.