In general, if the patient is 100 pounds or more in excess of their ideal body weight or has a (BMI) Body Mass Index of 40 or more, and has not been successful in reducing their weight through controlled diets and/ or medications, he or she may be a candidate. If the patient has significant obesity-related medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, and a BMI of 35 to 39, he/she may be considered a candidate for surgery.
