Requirements for Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is performed to treat morbid obesity. To be a candidate for this surgery, there are certain requirements that you must meet, which are outlined here.

Body Mass Index

Most people may be considered for gastric bypass surgery if their body mass index (BMI) is 40 or above. People who have a serious medical condition related to obesity may be considered for the surgery if their BMI is between 35 and 40.

Weight

Men who may be considered for gastric bypass surgery must be 100 pounds or more above their ideal body weight. Women need to be 80 pounds or more overweight.

History

Before a person is considered for gastric bypass surgery, she must first try to lose weight with diet and exercise. If she fails to lose weight with this method, she may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery.

Motivation

Most surgeons require gastric bypass surgery candidates to show that they are motivated to make the lifestyle changes necessary after having the surgery. This means they will need to begin to follow the diet, exercise and medical guidelines before the surgery is performed.

Age

The generally accepted age for gastric bypass surgery is 18 to 65 years old. Some medical centers have performed the surgery on patients as young as 16. Patients over 65 may be considered for the surgery if they have a serious medical condition related to obesity.