Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Find out in 60 seconds if you qualify. Reviewed by ALO Bariatrics' board-certified specialists — no obligation, no pressure, just clear answers.
Calculate Your BMI
Most insurance and surgical guidelines use BMI as the first qualifying signal.
This is a general guideline — your personal eligibility depends on a full medical review by our team.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is one of the most studied weight-loss interventions in medicine. The criteria below are based on ASMBS and IFSO international guidelines used worldwide.
| BMI Range | Category | Surgical Candidacy |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | Normal | Not a candidate for bariatric surgery. |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight | Generally not eligible for surgery — lifestyle support recommended. |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obesity Class I | Possible candidate if you have type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or other obesity-related conditions. |
| 35 – 39.9 | Obesity Class II | Likely candidate for bariatric surgery, even without comorbidities. |
| 40 + | Obesity Class III | Strong candidate — bariatric surgery is generally the recommended treatment. |
BMI 30+ with comorbidities
Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, GERD, joint pain, fatty liver disease, and PCOS all count as qualifying medical conditions.
Age 18 – 70
Adults within this range with otherwise stable health are typically eligible. Younger and older patients are evaluated case by case.
Failed non-surgical attempts
You've tried diet, exercise, or medication-based weight-loss programs and weight returned or never reached a healthy range.
Non-smoker (or willing to quit)
Smoking must stop at least 2–4 weeks before surgery. Most surgeons require this for safety.
Mentally & emotionally ready
You understand the lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes required after surgery and are committed to follow-up care.
Cleared by medical evaluation
Final eligibility is confirmed through blood work, imaging, and a consultation with our bariatric team.
Why Patients Choose ALO
For two decades, U.S., Canadian, and Latin American patients have chosen ALO Bariatrics for one reason: results. Here's what makes the difference.
Board-Certified Surgeons
FACS, IFSO, ASMBS members with 20+ years of bariatric specialization.
Premium Hospitals
Internationally accredited hospitals with full ICU and modern OR suites.
Personalized Care
Bilingual coordinators, dedicated medical team, and follow-up for life.
Da Vinci Robotic Certified
Advanced robotic surgery available for high-complexity cases.
Where We Operate
🇲🇽 Tijuana
Hospital Dreams · 30 minutes from the San Diego border crossing. Easiest access for U.S. patients on the West Coast.
View Tijuana →
🌴 Puerto Vallarta
Resort coast destination at Hospital Joya — recovery in a Pacific beach setting.
View Vallarta →
🏙 Guadalajara
Hospital Puerta de Hierro — Mexico's premier private medical hub with Da Vinci robotic surgery.
View Guadalajara →Internationally Certified & Affiliated
IFSO
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity
ASMBS
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
FACS
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Ready to find out for sure?
The fastest way to know if you qualify is our 60-second medical evaluation — completely free, no obligation.
Patients Who Qualified — and Won Their Lives Back
These are real ALO Bariatrics patients who took the same first step you're taking right now.
Dr. Alejandro Lopez saved my life!!! Down over 200 lbs in a little over a year. Went from a size 28 to a size 5!!!
1 year ago today I had RNY with Dr. Alejandro López. I started 325 lbs and have lost 165 lbs. No complications. I only regret I didn't do it sooner. Highly recommend Dr. López and his staff.
I got my surgery done in Mexico! A week later got pregnant with my second! Lost 145 lbs in less than a year! And the baby is very healthy!
1 year anniversary today! 79 inches gone along with 159 lb. So happy that I did this! Thank you, Dr. López.
I would highly recommend Dr Lopez for anyone interested in getting bariatric surgery. The staff was great, the hospital was great, and the overall experience was great!
Plain and simple — do it. I recommend it 10 out of 10. It's better than American hospitals and everybody has been great.
I had my gastric sleeve and I've lost 95 pounds and couldn't be happier! Thank you so much, Dr. López! You're an amazing doctor!
Many people decide that just beginning the process of change is much too hard for the effort. I'm so glad that I chose to make a change and transform my life, health, and ministry. I am forever grateful to Dr. Alejandro López.
It's NEVER too late!! Thank you so much Dr. Alejandro Lopez.
Real Patient Transformations
Common Questions About Eligibility
What if my BMI is exactly 30?
Will I be denied if I have heart disease or other conditions?
Do I need a referral from my U.S. doctor?
How fast can I get scheduled?
What does an evaluation cost?
Take the first step today
Most patients tell us they wish they'd done it sooner. The hardest part is starting — and that takes 60 seconds.