NJ Governor Chris Christie made headlines yesterday when news broke that he had undergone lap band surgery. According to reports, he has lost 40 pounds since the procedure. Some critics are claiming that he took the easy way out, but others are quietly wondering if weight loss surgery might be right for them.

Am I a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
If you only have ten or twenty pounds to lose, you're not the best candidate for a bariatric procedure. Lap band surgery and other forms of surgery, like gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, are generally reserved for people with a BMI of over 30. But it also depends on your medical history.

Weight loss surgery is also reserved for people who have already tried to lose weight with traditional measures like diet and exercise. In fact, after surgery is complete, diet and exercise become more important in the patient's life in order to avoid complications.

Last year, I interviewed Dr. Ninh Nguyen, MD, President-elect, of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. With his help, I put together a complete guide to weight loss surgery including information about costs, different types of surgery, risks and benefits. Check it out to find out if weight loss surgery might be right for you.

• Weight Loss Surgery: Your Complete Guide


• Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery


• What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery