University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity Surgery Requirements

Am I an Obesity Surgery Candidate?

Being obese and being overweight are not the same condition. Not everyone who has a weight problem should consider obesity surgery and gastric banding. It depends on whether or not you are overweight, obese or morbidly obese.

Considerations For Obesity Surgery

• Who is an obesity surgery candidate? Obesity surgery is indicated for use in weight reduction for people with severe obesity. Calculate your BMI with the tool in the left column.
  
  
• Who is not an obesity surgery candidate? Obesity surgery is not recommended for patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.
  
  
• Your Motivation. The gastric band can be an effective morbid obesity treatment, however, the pounds do not come off by themselves. Motivation is an important factor for success, whether you undergo gastric banding, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy.