The following is a brief explanation of weight loss surgery with answers to the most commonly asked questions about the procedure. We encourage you to educate yourself as much as possible about weight loss surgery so that you will be aware of all the possible risks and benefits of this life changing surgery.

In order to qualify for weight loss surgery, patients must first meet certain minimum weight criteria. The degree to which you might be overweight is often expressed by determining your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is calculated by taking a ratio of your height to your weight (click here to refer to the table enclosed).  In general, patients may consider surgery if their BMI is greater than 40 or greater than 35 if you have certain life altering illnesses related to your weight.  Click here to calculate your BMI and read more on the subject. 

Having a BMI greater than 40 is sometimes called severe or morbid obesity. This means that your weight is likely to cause (or may have already caused) significant health related problems. The most common serious health related problems related to weight include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea and increased cancer risk. On average this degree of being overweight can significantly shorten your expected life span and complicate any future medical conditions you acquire.

Surgery is offered to prevent, improve, or even resolve these weight-related illnesses. Weight loss surgery is therefore considered medically necessary (not cosmetic) and is usually covered by insurance plans. You should check with your individual plan to see if you have such benefits.

Your present weight is only partly guided by the food that you eat. Other major factors important in determining your weight include genetic, personal, and environmental factors. Often, the only factors under your direct control include your food intake and the amount of exercise you get.

Your behavior toward food is a very important aspect in determining the amounts and type of food you eat, and a full behavioral evaluation is a necessary component of this program and your ultimate success. The most successful and sustained weight loss efforts will happen for those who not only have the surgery, but change many aspects of their behavior.

You have probably tried and failed at long-term weight loss in the past. Serious prior efforts at weight loss are, in fact, a requirement to qualify for this kind of surgery. Unfortunately for severely obese individuals, successful and sustained weight loss efforts are seen in less than 5% of dieters. Even if you are initially successful, you still face overwhelming odds that you will gain back the weight within a short time.

Many today are turning to surgery as a more successful alternative for long-term weight loss. It should be stressed that surgery is a drastic measure, which will represent a dramatic life change and approach to food. This surgery is not intended for the patient who is 20 lbs or even 50 lbs overweight.

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This whole process may take many months.  IMPORTANT:  not everyone will be an appropriate candidate for this procedure and therefore not everyone will be approved.
 

If you are interested in becoming a candidate for this procedure, you must begin by attending two of our support group meetings.   If you remain interested, you may then proceed on.  Most insurance plans will require a referral through your primary care doctor.  You  can find out whether you need a referral by calling your insurance carrier or primary care doctor  Be aware that you must be evaluated by all the members of our group which include a behavioral psychologist, a medical internist (your present medical doctor or possibly one of ours), a nutritionist, and then finally a surgeon.  
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