The National Institute of Health says that you may qualify for weight loss surgery if:¹
• 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater
• BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity related health conditions
• 18 years of age or older
• Serious weight loss attempts have had only short-term success
• No serious untreated disease that may have caused obesity
• Have been overweight for at least 5 years

Obesity related health conditions that may be improved or resolved with weight loss surgery:
• Type II diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Osteoarthritis of weight bearing joints
• Sleep apnea/respiratory problems
• Gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn
• Depression
• Infertility/menstrual irregularities
• Skin breakdown
• Swollen legs/skin ulcers
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Extremity venous stasis disease
• Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol, high triglycerides)

¹National Institute of Health. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_xsum.htm