How overweight do you have to be to have gastric bypass surgery?

BMI >40: As different people have different dimensions of weight and height, the current recommendations of bariatric or weight loss surgery are based on bmi (weight/height squared). People with bmi>35 and a comorbid condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or anyone with bmi>40. You can calculate bmi this by going to http://www.Cdc.Gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.Html.

80-100 lbs overwt: If you are 80-100 pounds overweight, you would be a potential candidate for gastric bypass. If you have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, gastric reflux, joint disease, bladder incontinence, sleep apnea, heart disease, or vascular disease, you are a particularly good candidate. You can search for bmi charts online. Surgery is ok with bmi over 35 with conditions. Over 40 without.

It's changing but: in general the guidelines are a BMI > 35 with other related medical problems to obesity, or anyone with a BMI > 40 regardless. Different insurance companies may have other requirements. To know if it would benefit you or your health, see a knowledgable surgeon who can discuss the risks and benefits for you specifically.