What BMI Do You Need for Weight Loss Surgery?

In general, weight loss surgery is considered when your body mass index (BMI), a measure of your weight relative to your height, is 35 or above. If your BMI is 30 or above and you have a weight related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, gout or liver disease, you may also be eligible.

Lower Thresholds Apply for People of Asian Descent

For people of Asian descent, the health risks associated with excess weight tend to occur at lower BMI levels. The thresholds are a BMI of 32.5 or above, or 27.5 or above with a weight related health condition. Our online calculator takes this into account automatically.

BMI Is Only the Starting Point for Eligibility

Your BMI opens the conversation, but it is not the whole picture. Your overall health, your weight history, previous weight loss attempts and your readiness for long term lifestyle changes are all part of the assessment. Every patient at LapSurgery Australia is assessed individually by our surgeons and multidisciplinary team, and the final decision is made together at your consultation.

Options Are Still Available if Your BMI Is Below the Surgical Range

If your BMI is below the thresholds above, surgery may not be indicated at this stage. That does not mean there is nothing available. We offer the Allurion balloon, which is a swallowable intragastric balloon lasting approximately 16 weeks, along with a non-surgical program including dietitian support, psychological counselling and medical management. These can be discussed at any BMI level.

More detail is on our BMI calculator page, where you can also check your eligibility and get a price estimate in a few steps.

If you are considering your options, call us on (03) 9760 2777 or request an appointment through our website.