I have a BMI of 38 and was refused because I had no comorbidities (ex. Diabetes, sleep apnea) so I went to Mexico. I believe the minimun is 35 (with comorbidities) but don't quote me on it, ask your Doctor.

That is really exciting! When were you referred?

I have my first appointments starting end of this month and the first week in June.

Hi,

I am new to this forum and was wondering if your BMI had to be within a range in order to be 1) referred by your family doctor to the program 2) for the program to accept or even consider you for surgery.  How heavy is not heavy enough or too heavy? Also, do you have to existing health problems along with being overweight in order to be referred and accepted?

Thanks for any response.

I am 6 months post op and this is what I understand about the program. You must complete your information session and following sessions with the bariatric clinic and the Craving Change program. If you complete this process and show you are compliant with the program and making positive changes, your name is sent to the surgeon for a referral. If after 4 months with the clinic you have not met their expectations, I was told you would be given 2 more months. If at 6 months you do not meet these requirements, you may be discharged from the program.

Every person will be given a weight loss goal from the dietician on your first visit of 5% of your weight. Even if you have lost weight ( I was down over 40lbs) since your referral you will be given a goal. They are not so much concerned that you meet this goal but that you are making changes to achieve this goal. I didn 't lost the 5% but I was down.

There are no passes for making the changes before acceptance into the program but any changes you can make can only help you in making lifestyle changes. I was taking vitamins, stopped the pop, exercising and logging my food and it didn't win me any rewards but I had those new habits instilled in me before surgery.

Don't know if any of this helps you. My BMI was too high for acceptance into the program when it first started (58ish) and by the time they opened the criteria I actually met the original criteria. Best of luck, I hope you will get into the program!