Weight Loss Surgery Requirements
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
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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.
Calculate Your BMI
Weight Loss Surgery Eligibility
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
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Debilitating joint pain
- Sleep apnea
- Uncontrolled GERD or acid reflux
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
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.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery
If You Are a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery
Learn what factors your surgeon will review when recommending a type of surgery, the pros and cons of each procedure, and how each 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:
Free Online Weight Loss Surgery Seminars
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
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 Lifestyle and Weight Management 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.
This page was medically reviewed on 05/07/2025 by