Bariatric / Weight Loss Surgical Options
Who is a Candidate for Surgery?
For a person to be considered morbidly obese, their body mass index (BMI) must be over 40, roughly translating to 100 pounds over their ideal weight. Morbid obesity is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Once established morbid obesity is often impossible to combat through traditional weight loss methods. Eventually, obesity will damage your body and potentially shorten your lifespan. Some of the more common conditions or "co-morbidities" related to obesity are diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression. For persons afflicted with morbid obesity who have tried numerous other weight loss methods without success, surgery is often their last hope.
Medical Evaluation For Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a serious surgery involving significant eating and lifestyle changes to be successful. Patients are thoroughly screened and must meet strict medical criteria to be considered medically eligible. A part of the evaluation may include medical screening tests and consultations with a dietician and psychologist. Candidates are provided educational materials on bariatric surgery options, surgical risks and potential complications, as well as, post-surgical nutritional and lifestyle change expectations.
Four Weight Loss Surgical Options
Most surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques.