Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

If you've been wondering whether weight-loss surgery is even an option for you, you're asking exactly the right question — and you might be surprised by the answer. Candidacy is more flexible than most people assume, and it's based on clear, established guidelines rather than guesswork. Here's what actually determines whether you're a candidate, in plain terms.

The basic criteria

Most surgeons follow guidelines from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). In general, you may be a candidate if you have:

• A BMI of 40 or higher, or
• A BMI of 35–39.9 along with an obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease, or
• A BMI of 30–34.9 with type 2 diabetes, under newer guidelines that recognize the powerful metabolic benefits of surgery.

If you're not sure of your BMI, it takes about ten seconds to calculate — and it's the starting point, not the whole story.

It's not just about BMI

A number on a chart doesn't capture the full picture, and good candidacy assessment goes deeper. Your overall health, your history with diet and exercise, your obesity-related conditions, and your readiness to embrace long-term change all matter. Someone with diabetes and a BMI of 36 may be an excellent candidate, while the decision looks different for someone else. This is why the consultation matters so much.

The evaluation process

If you move toward surgery, the workup is thorough by design — it's there to keep you safe and set you up to succeed. It typically includes:

• Medical history review and lab evaluations
• Cardiology or other medical clearance as needed
• A psychological evaluation
• Nutrition education with a registered dietitian
• Attending an informational seminar (required by many insurance plans)
• Completing a supervised diet program (insurance requirement)

We guide you through every step.

Taking the first step

The hardest part is often just starting — and it doesn't have to be a big commitment. A quick, private self-check or a no-pressure consultation can tell you a great deal about your options. You don't have to have it all figured out before you reach out. That's what we're here for.