Can anyone who is overweight have gastric bypass surgery?
The surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, but rather, a course of last resort for people who are at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40. Patients with a slightly lower BMI may be considered for the procedure if they have other obesity-related problems such as Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea. Gastric bypass is also generally reserved for patients who have been unable to lose weight through weight reduction programs and exercise.
