The most common guidelines followed by the surgeons recommending gastric bypass or lap band surgery and the insurance companies who will finance gastric bypass or lap band surgery are:
- A person must be between the ages of 18-69, unless a person has a severe illness related to the weight which may be life threatening.
- The individual must weigh at least 100 pounds over their ideal body weight according to the 1999 Metropolitan Height and Weight Tables for Adults, or have a BMI of 40 or more. An exception may be considered for persons 80 pounds overweight, or a BMI of 35-40 with a severe illness such as Diabetes.
- The individual's morbid obesity must be a contributing factor for a weight related medical problem such as:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Arthritis
- Personal BMI (Body Mass Index) must be greater than or equal to 40; greater than or equal to 35 with serious health problems.
