The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports obesity is an increasing, serious epidemic. In fact, approximately two-thirds of U.S. citizens are overweight.

In order to be considered for bariatric (weight loss) surgery, the following criteria must be met: a) degree of obesity on BMI assessment; b) obesity-associated medical problems; c) confirmation that other means for losing weight have been exhausted or at least attempted; and d) attendance at an informational seminar. Ultimately, the surgeon group, in collaboration with your physician(s), will determine whether you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):

• Only patients considered morbidly obese (having a body mass index greater than 40) or those with debilitating health problems are candidates for bariatric surgery.
• Surgical options are the last resort for morbidly obese patients.
• Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix; surgery is most effective when paired with lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Patients are encouraged to deal with emotional and psychological issues that may have contributed to their condition.
• According to the NIH, bariatric surgery is the only effective therapy for morbid obesity and its complications. A variety of surgical procedures can decrease or correct many obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes, asthma, cardiopulmonary failure, infertility and stress incontinence.
• While complications are possible in any surgery, the rate of complications from surgery performed at an ASMBS Center of Excellence is extremely low – less than 1 percent. St. Francis is an ASMBS Center of Excellence.