Weight loss surgery is not for everyone. Doctors generally recommend it only for people who:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more -- about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 for women;

Have a lower BMI (35 to 40), but also have serious health problems related to obesity such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or severe sleep apnea;

Have tried and failed to lose weight by nonsurgical means such as diet and exercise;

Fully understand the risks associated with weight loss surgery and are motivated.