Morbid obesity is most commonly recognized as being at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight or if you are approximately 75 pounds overweight with other related diseases like diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea. At this point the surgery is considered as an alleviation of a debilitating disease.
The option of surgical treatment is available to patients who are considered morbidly obese due to their high body weight, however, other factors also determine if a patient is ready for surgery.
Patients must have experienced failure with prior attempts at voluntary, or non-surgical, weight loss methods.
Being well-informed and acceptable of operative risks explained by their physician is necessary.
Most importantly, the patient must recognize the long-term follow-up and life changes involved with a surgical weight loss procedure. Before, and especially after, the patient must be available and willing to receive psychological as well as nutritional counseling and support. Further the patient must participate in a patient support group as well as an exercise program.
Are you considered morbidly obese? Determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) by utilizing the table available on this site. Candidates for surgery are persons with a BMI = 40 or higher, and those with a BMI = 35 or greater who suffer from serious diseases related to obesity.
