Weight-loss Surgical Options
Who is a Candidate?
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.
Evaluation and 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.