Making A Difference

Often referred to as weight-loss surgery, bariatric surgery has transformed the health and lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Combined with diet and lifestyle changes, a bariatric surgical procedure could be the key to help you lose the weight you are committed to losing for a better quality of life.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the terms “overweight” and “obesity” are used to describe weight ranges that are above what is generally considered healthy for an individual's height. “Body mass index" (BMI) is a number based upon height and weight that is used to help people understand their current health status.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. ¹
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.¹
• Adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 are considered extremely obese. ²
• Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight is considered morbidly obese. ²

The disease of obesity interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. Obesity also contributes to the development of a number of secondary medical problems. Called co-morbid conditions, these physical problems, in turn, promote further weight gain in a vicious cycle of deteriorating health.

There are many co-morbid conditions related to obesity, but some of the most common include:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Sleep Apnea
• Respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• High cholesterol
• Acid Reflux/GERD
• Cancer
• Depression
• Urinary Incontinence
• Gallbladder Disease
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Infertility and Pregnancy Complications

Mortality rates from many of these conditions are also higher among people with morbid obesity. This means that you are less likely to recover from one of these conditions than a person of average weight. For instance, Type 2 Diabetes is a major cause of amputations, stroke and blindness. Among the general population, only 6.5% have been diagnosed with diabetes compared to 20-39% of people who are obese.

Bariatric surgery is associated with astounding success in terms of sustained weight loss and improved quality of life.

80% Success Rate at one year

95% of co-morbidities controlled

50% Success rate at 16 years

¹ Center for Disease Control
² National Institutes of Health