Independent guides and surgeon information for informed decisions

Interactive patient tools

Bariatric Surgery Tools

Estimate your adult BMI, explore published weight-loss results by procedure, and prepare the right questions for your insurance plan. These tools do not diagnose, predict your outcome, or confirm coverage.

BMI calculator

Calculate BMI from height and weight and see the adult screening category.

Weight-loss explorer

Apply published 12-month study averages for different procedures to a starting weight.

Insurance coverage self-check

Review Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and private-plan next steps.

Detailed guide

Researching bariatric insurance?

Compare procedure questions and find official policy links for major insurers, Medicare and Medicaid.

Explore insurance resource →

How to use these results

BMI is one piece of the picture

Adult BMI categories are standardized, but BMI does not measure body composition or determine whether a procedure is appropriate. Bring your medical history, medication list and goals to a qualified clinician. For children and teens, use an age-specific tool instead.

Research averages are not promises

Different studies enrolled people with different starting BMIs, health conditions and follow-up. The weight-loss explorer applies each paper’s reported 12-month mean to your starting weight for scale. It does not estimate your personal outcome or compare safety, reflux, nutrition needs or revision risk.

Get a written plan decision

Original Medicare’s national policy lists BMI of at least 35, an obesity-related condition and unsuccessful prior medical treatment for nationally covered procedures. Sleeve decisions can depend on the Medicare contractor. Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial plans add plan-specific steps, networks and documentation. Ask the plan and your surgeon’s office for the current policy and any prior authorization requirements.