Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?
Qualifications for weight loss surgery
Inova follows eligibility requirements for weight loss (bariatric) surgery established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Individuals must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. In the presence of additional health risks, also known as co-morbidities, you may be eligible for weight loss surgery with a BMI of 35 or greater. This translates to being at least 100 pounds overweight.
The presence of health risks, also called co-morbidities, include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea, among others. All patients undergo a psychiatric exam to assure that they are emotionally able to work within the program guidelines after surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Classifications
| Classification |
BMI |
U.S. Population |
| Overweight |
> 25.0 |
60 percent |
| Obese (class I) |
33.0 to 34.9 |
18 percent |
| Obese (class II) |
35.0 to 39.9 |
|
Clinically severe
obesity (class III) |
> 40.0 |
5 percent |
Click to try our free online BMI calculator 
Body Mass Index Calculator
Your results
The information you provided gives a BMI of . This suggests that you are underweight*. A BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 is the goal.
The information you provided gives a BMI of . Your BMI is within the recommended range* of 18.5 to 24.9. Try to keep your weight in this range. Get plenty of exercise, eat a healthful diet, and get enough sleep.
The information you provided gives a BMI of . This suggests that you are overweight*. A range of 18.5 to 24.9 is the goal. A high BMI is linked with a greater chance for chronic diseases. These include high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. A high BMI also puts you at risk for breathing problems. It also raises the risk of certain cancers, arthritis, and gallbladder disease. Try to lose weight by eating healthful foods and smaller portions. Also try to get enough exercise and sleep.
The information you provided gives a BMI of . This suggests that you have obesity*. A range of 18.5 to 24.9 is the goal. A high BMI is linked with a greater chance for chronic diseases. These include high blood pressure, stroke, and high cholesterol. It also raises the chance of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And it also puts you at risk for breathing problems, certain cancers, arthritis, and gallbladder disease. Try to lose weight by eating healthful foods and smaller portions, and by getting more exercise. Also get enough sleep.
* Your category is based on federal guidelines for healthy weight.
- You are underweight if you weigh pounds or less and your BMI is less than 18.5.
- You are the right weight for your height if you weigh between pounds and your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
- You are overweight if you weigh between pounds and your BMI is between 25 and 29.9.
- You are obese if you weigh pounds or more and your BMI is 30 or greater.
This calculator is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional.