Chart Your Course: Assessing Candidacy and Options

Wondering if you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery? You’re not alone. Many people come to New You Surgical Weight Loss unsure where to begin, and the first step is understanding what makes surgery or medical weight loss a safe and effective option.

In general, people may qualify for bariatric surgery if their BMI is 35 or higher (or 30+ with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea). But numbers don’t tell the whole story. Being a candidate for weight loss surgery isn’t just about weight – it’s about your readiness for change, your health goals, and your support system. Please note that a formal consultation is needed to proceed with medical weight loss and weight loss surgery treatment plans.

Is Surgery Right For You?

Weight Loss Candidate Checklist:

1. You Are Obese
Weight loss surgery is typically recommended for individuals who are classified as obese. Obesity is determined by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI), which takes into account your height and weight. Our medical team will assess your health status and BMI to determine which of our programs would be best suited for your individual needs. To get an idea of your BMI, use our BMI Calculator.

2. You Have Tried Other Weight Loss Methods
Weight loss surgery is often considered when other methods of weight loss, such as dieting and exercise, have proven ineffective in achieving significant and sustainable results. Our team will review your previous weight loss attempts to understand your history and determine if weight loss surgery is a suitable option for you. 

In fact, some insurance companies will not cover weight loss surgeries unless patients have gone through a Medically Supervised Weight Loss program.

3. You Understand the Risks and Benefits
Weight loss surgery is a major decision that comes with both risks and benefits. It is important to have a clear understanding of what to expect from the procedure, including the potential risks and complications, as well as the long-term benefits.

4. You Are Motivated to Change Your Lifestyle
Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, but a tool to assist you in achieving long-term weight management. It requires a commitment to making significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, incorporating regular exercise, and adhering to post-surgery guidelines. We will assess your motivation and readiness to embrace these lifestyle modifications, as they are crucial for your success after weight loss surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery Options

• Gastric Bypass
• Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery Corrections or revisions from previous bariatric or stomach procedures/surgeries
• ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon
• Duodenal Switch
• SADI-S

Your Partner in Sustainable Weight Loss

When you meet with our team, we’ll take time to learn about your full picture: your lifestyle, medical history, and past weight loss experiences. Together, we’ll decide whether surgical or non-surgical options are the best fit for you. Some patients find that a structured, doctor-guided medical program helps them achieve major results without surgery, while others benefit from the long-term metabolic reset that bariatric surgery can provide.

No matter your path, we’ll walk you through every detail, from candidacy and insurance coverage to what recovery and life after surgery look like. Our goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery in St. Louis or the surrounding Midwest area, our team is here to help you find out whether it’s the right choice for you, and to show you that real, lasting change is possible.