To be accepted for weight loss surgery (such as gastric bypass surgery), you need to meet certain criteria.

You must:

• Be between 18 and 65 years old
• Be either severely obese (100 pounds or more overweight, with a BMI of 40 or more) OR obese with associated complications (a BMI of 35 or more, with a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease)
• Have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through a structured, medical weight loss program that included diet, exercise and lifestyle changes
• Be experiencing personal or occupational problems due to obesity
• Undergo a psychological evaluation and counseling to determine that you are emotionally healthy enough to understand the consequences of your decision
• Be willing and able to commit to long-term medical follow-up, as well as the rigorous, lifelong changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits that will be necessary to meet and maintain your weight loss and health goals after surgery