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Why attend an information seminar?

The REALIZE mySUCCESS® Program

This Web-based clinical support tool is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight.

Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Surgery

Determining weight loss surgery eligibility

There are many different factors that affect your ability to qualify for bariatric surgery. One of the most important factors is your body mass index (BMI). BMI is used as a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. The formula for determining your BMI is weight (in pounds) divided by height (in inches squared).

Body mass index (BMI) calculation

Body mass index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool: to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments.

Please use the following formula for calculating your BMI: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703.

For example, if you weigh 150 lbs and are 5'5" tall, you would calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in pounds (150 lbs) by your height in inches (65 in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703 resulting in a normal BMI of 24.96: [150 � (65)2] x 703 = 24.96.

BMI measurements are organized into four categories:

  • Healthy Weight: BMI between 19 and 25
  • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 30
  • Obese: BMI over 30
  • Severely (Morbidly) Obese: a BMI of 40 or more

According to the guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health, the REALIZE® Solution† for bariatric surgery may be right for you if:

  • You have a BMI greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with comorbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.). For someone 5 feet, 4 inches, that means a weight of at least 235 pounds. For someone 5 feet, 9 inches—at least 270 pounds.
  • You are 18 years of age or older.
  • You have an obesity-related condition (known as a comorbid condition), such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • You’ve been unable to lose weight and keep it off through traditional methods like diet and exercise.
  • You’re ready to commit to a healthy, active lifestyle.
  • You don’t have medical conditions that could cause serious complications during or after surgery.
  • You understand the benefits as well as the bariatric surgery risks and complications so you have a full understanding of what to expect.

The REALIZE Solution for gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy can help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight. However, bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. It requires a commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle. And you must qualify for surgery. For some people, surgery isn’t an option because of medical conditions or other issues. Only you and your weight loss surgeon can evaluate your situation and decide if bariatric surgery is right for you.

Take the eligibility quiz to see if you’re ready for surgery.

 = required field
What is your age?
What is your gender?
What is your weight in pounds?
What is your height?
Have you been diagnosed as having any of the following obesity-related conditions? (Check ALL that apply.)
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnea
Osteoarthritis
Depression
Acid reflux / gastroesophageal reflux disease
Stress urinary incontinence
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or infertility
Have you made good faith attempts at weight loss such as diet, exercise, and behavioral modification programs?
Yes
No

Related topics

Are you prepared?

Meeting the physical requirements for surgery is only the beginning. Attending a free information seminar hosted by a bariatric clinic is the next important step in the consideration process. You’ll learn about surgical options for weight loss, you’ll meet bariatric team members who will support you before and long after your surgery, and you may also hear from patients who have had weight loss surgery. There’s no pressure to make a commitment—and no better way to get the answers you’re looking for. Of course, family and friends are welcome, too.

Use our seminar finder to locate a seminar in your area, and register to ensure that you have a seat because seminars often fill up.

Want to talk it over? We’re ready to help. Call us at 1-866-300-1818 if you have questions or concerns or want help finding a seminar near you.

Situations where bariatric surgery may not be an option

For some people, bariatric surgery is not an option. Certain health conditions can cause serious complications during or after bariatric surgery, leading to serious and perhaps long-term health issues or even death.

Situations where the risks are greater than the benefits gained from surgery are called contraindications. Your bariatric surgeon will evaluate your medical history for any conditions that might put you at increased risk during or after surgery.

To assist your weight loss surgeon, tell him or her if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Inflammation of the digestive tract, including ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn’s disease
  • Severe heart or lung disease
  • Upper digestive tract bleeding conditions due to enlarged or fragile veins
  • Portal hypertension
  • Abnormal digestive tract anatomy
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Infection of any type, anywhere in your body
  • Known allergies to the implant materials
  • Use of steroids for a long period of time or within 15 days of surgery
  • Currently pregnant
  • Younger than 18 years of age
  • Unwilling to make significant changes in eating and behavior patterns
  • Conditions or behaviors that would make it difficult to appropriately follow directions

Remember, your bariatric surgeon will decide if weight loss surgery is safe for you.

†The REALIZE Solution combines REALIZE mySUCCESS® with the use of select surgical instruments.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band is used in morbidly obese adult patients for significant long-term weight loss. It may not be right for individuals with certain digestive tract conditions. All surgery presents risks. Weight, age, and medical history determine your specific risks. Ask your doctor if bariatric surgery is right for you. For more information, visit www.Realize.com or call 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493). Risks for all bariatric procedures

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Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. a Johnson and Johnson company

© Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. 2007-2010 All rights reserved. DSL# 09-0903 Last Updated: December 2009. This site is published by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents, and is intended for U.S. audiences only. This site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your physician can diagnose and appropriately treat your symptoms.

†The REALIZE Solution combines REALIZE mySUCCESS® with the use of select surgical instruments.