Weight Loss Surgery Requirements

Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

For More Information

Overview

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that helps determine a healthy body weight based on your height. It is also used by insurance companies to determine if you are eligible for weight loss surgery coverage.

Weight Loss Surgery Eligibility

Content

Insurance companies generally consider you eligible for weight loss surgery coverage if:

Your BMI is 40 or more OR

Your BMI is 35 to 40 AND you have a major health complication such as:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or significant heart disease
Debilitating joint pain
Sleep apnea
Uncontrolled GERD or acid reflux
Pulmonary hypertension

If your BMI is below 35, your insurance provider may deny coverage for weight loss surgery. We also know that this can change, as your weight varies over time based on where you are in the dieting cycle.

Calculate Your BMI

Content

Height

ft.

in.

Weight

lbs.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Content

If You Are a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery
Learn what factors your surgeon will take into consideration when recommending a type of surgery, as well as the pros and cons. Or read about how each procedure works.

If You Had Bariatric Surgery
If you did not achieve significant weight loss or are experiencing a complication, we can evaluate your concerns and discuss your options, including:

Attend a Free Weight Loss Surgery Info Session Online

Learn more about obesity, surgery options, and our program at one of our free information sessions.

If You Are Not a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery

Content

If you aren't a candidate for bariatric surgery, you may want to consider other weight loss options we offer, including:

Medical Weight Loss
Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedures
Duke Diet and Fitness Center for adults
Duke Children's Healthy Lifestyle program for children and adolescents

Bariatric Center of Excellence

Duke Regional Hospital is accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for its high standards of care in weight loss surgery.

Reviewed: 12/03/2021