Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery?

A measurement used to assess obesity health risks is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing body weight in pounds (lb) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5. The metric calculation for BMI is kg/m2 (for help calculating use our BMI Calculator). Although health risks increase at a BMI of 27, significant health problems and increased risk of death are greater as a person's BMI increases. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30, severe obesity is associated with a BMI of 35, and morbid obesity with a BMI of 40 or higher.

The goals of the Bariatric Institute of Wisconsin's program are to:

• Help you determine if you are a candidate for a bariatric surgical procedure.
• Provide detailed information about bariatric surgical procedures including dietary changes after surgery, risks of the operation and realistic goals for weight loss.
• Arrange appropriate pre-operative consultations to make your surgery as safe as possible.
• Arrange long-term nutritional monitoring and continuing education, encouragement and support.
• Improve your health, vitality, fitness and functionality -- FOR LIFE.

Please check with your insurance company prior to your appointment to determine whether you meet their specific criteria. Many insurance companies require:

• Documentation of medical co-morbidities related to your weight.
• Being double your ideal weight, or
• BMI > 40, (click here to determine your Body Mass Index [BMI]}
• BMI > 35 with significant co-morbidities
• Documentation of five years of severe obesity.
• A letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician.

Obesity has reached nationwide epidemic proportions. Obesity is defined as an excess of total body fat, a result of imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure.