Even if you feel that gastric bypass is the only way for you to lose weight and become healthy, your doctor may not agree.

Gastric bypass is not a procedure that should be taken lightly. This is truly a last resort for patients that have tried everything else to lose the extra weight.

Some doctors have different requirements, but there are some that you can expect. You must be at least one hundred pounds overweight or have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more. The weight requirement may not apply to you when you have two or more medical conditions associated with your obesity.

You will need to undergo a psychological exam prior to the surgery to make sure that you are ready emotionally. The life that follows gastric bypass is drastically different, and you must be ready to face new challenges and change your entire lifestyle.

Your doctor may want to document that you have tried another form of weight loss prior to surgery, so you may need to go on a supervised diet for three months. If the diet fails, then this may be taken as a sign that gastric bypass is the right method for you.

Each surgeon will have his or her own requirements for a person fit for gastric bypass, so talk with your doctor before thinking that you are the best candidate.