According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third -- 34.9 percent or 78.6 million -- of U.S. adults are obese. For this significant portion of our population, the physical, psychological and social effects of obesity can be devastating.
"For those of us who are struggling with being morbidly or severely obese, we are faced with an increased risk for a variety of life-changing, and potentially life-threating, health problems," said Dr. Melissa Bagloo, Medical Director at The Valley Hospital’s Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. "Although this can be frightening, there is hope. Advances in medicine now provide safe, proven and effective surgical options for significant weight loss."
Basic criteria for candidacy for weight loss surgery are:
- Persons who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40.
- Persons who have a BMI greater than 35 and have life-threatening obesity related problems such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.
- Above persons who have failed non-surgical attempts at weight loss, specifically a combined regimen of diet and exercise.
The benefits of bariatric surgery are truly transformative. Just a few of the changes patients can experience are:
- Substantial weight loss
- Significant improvement to, or reversal in, hypoventilation
- Reversal of weight-induced infertility
- Curing of non-insulin dependent diabetes and high blood pressure
- Relief from joint pain, which allows patients to participate in family activities and sports
- Increased self-esteem
To learn more about whether this is the best option for you, please register for a free seminar on weight loss surgery.