The National Institutes of Health sets minimum requirements for recommending bariatric surgery as a treatment option:

• 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition.

Other qualifying factors may include:

• History of documented dietary weight loss attempts
  
• Lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise and medical guidelines and follow-up care
  
• Psychological evaluation
  

Together, you and your bariatric surgeon take steps to determine:

• If surgery is the right treatment for you
  
• Which type of procedure is right for you
  
• If you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes
  
• That you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you.

Expect the prequalification process to include a series of tests. You also will meet with a dietitian, psychologist and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.