Calculating your BMI

The first thing your doctor might do as he or she decides if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery is to determine your body mass index (BMI). Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. This number is calculated by dividing a patient’s mass ( in kilograms) by his or her height ( in meters, squared). A normal BMI is considered in the range of 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m². A BMI of 25 - 29.9 kg/m² is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater is classified as obese; this classification is further subdivided into class I, II, or III obesity.

Bariatric surgery is most appropriate for people with a BMI of 40 or more or who also have serious health complications related to obesity.In general, weight loss surgery is considered for people with Class II obesity if they have obesityrelated illnesses and Class III obesity with or without related illnesses.