Morbid Obesity
How is Morbid Obesity Determined?
Morbid obesity is defined as being 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight. The best measure is a formula called your Body Mass Index (BMI). Find your BMI by entering your height and weight.
Diet and exercise work for only 1 out of 20 people who suffer from morbid obesity. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Report agrees that surgery is a successful way to achieve consistent, permanent weight loss in individuals who are morbidly obese. NIH guidelines say appropriate weight loss surgery candidates:
- Have a BMI of 40 or above
- Have a BMI of 35-40 with significant co-morbidities (or other health issues ex: type 2 diabetes)
- New FDA guidelines state you may be a candidate for Lap-Band surgery with a BMI >=30 when accompanied by a significant co-morbidity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
Surgery at the Mercy Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery provides you a life-long "tool" to help you achieve permanent weight loss and a healthier you.
- Surgery is safe and effective.
- Surgery improves quality of life.
