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INTRODUCTION
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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