What is weight-loss surgery?

If you have attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful, then weight loss surgery may be an option for you. Please remember it is a complicated procedure that is associated with certain risks, but also has been proven to result in health benefits. There are four possible weight loss procedures:

Is weight-loss surgery right for me?

Because weight loss surgery is a complicated procedure that carries certain risks, it is not for everyone who is seeking to lose weight. Candidates usually must meet specific requirements:

  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater.
  • Have a BMI of 35-39 and a serious health problem* that is caused or complicated by your weight.
Calculate Your BMI

*Potential health problems include: Diabetes, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is a Center of Excellence?

Center of Excellence

As with any medical procedure, you want to be assured that the doctor in charge of your care knows what they are doing. Gastricsurgeon.com uses the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's "Center of Excellence" distinction to ensure that the doctors we recommend are thoroughly qualified in and experienced with bariatric surgery. These surgeons practice at facilities that recognize and accommodate the needs of bariatric patients with specially designed hospital equipment, furniture, and instruments. Together, they receive the Society’s Center of Excellence recognition.

In order to receive this honor, the institutions and doctors must pass an extensive and rigorous review process that includes an on-site inspection, personal interviews, chart reviews, and evaluation of quality of care. Surgeons must perform a minimum of 50 of these surgeries a year, and facilities must demonstrate high rates of success. “Success” is determined by a combination of low mortality rates (<1%), low re-operative rates (<2.5%), and low re-admissions from complications (<5%). In other words, they must meet extremely high standards in quality of care.

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