Am I a Candidate?

Bariatric surgery could be your way back to living life as you choose to. The restrictions that obesity place on you are frustrating, limiting, and often leave you out of the things other people are doing. If you’re ready to stop letting obesity control your life, let us help you make an informed decision about bariatric surgery. Isn’t it time?

15 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease of morbid obesity, and many are candidates of bariatric surgery. Morbid obesity can be simply defined as: being 100 pounds above ideal body weight, or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is over 40. Use our BMI calculator to find out what your BMI is.

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The following diseases and health complications have been attributed to morbid obesity:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Coronary artery disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Edema
• Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
• Hypertension
• Sleep apnea
• Urinary incontinence

With obesity comes increased risk of developing these conditions—and others—plus a high risk of premature death. Therefore, please take the possibility of medical weight loss seriously—it could save your life.

Here’s how you can know.

If you have tried diets, support groups, hypnosis, and multiple other ways of modifying your behavior, but have only experienced temporary success, you should carefully consider bariatric surgery. Your weight has most-likely fluctuated over the years, going down with temporary successes, only to climb to an even higher level than before your latest attempt. This yo-yo affect is not healthy. It’s hard on your body, mind, and emotions.

Bariatric surgery is a consideration for anyone with a BMI of 35 or greater. Bariatric surgery could be the thing that starts you on the path to consistent weight loss and improved health. And soon, you could be on your way to living life as you choose.

Maybe it’s time to move beyond casual research. We’d like to help you with that. We understand obesity, and we’re committed to, and passionate about, helping our patients turn the corner toward better health and greater enjoyment of life. We’ll give you all the information you need to feel empowered and in control of the decisions you need to make.

And please, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re lazy or uncommitted. We know better. Morbid obesity is a chronic disease that usually requires medical treatment, and it’s wise to seek professional help. Rest assured, you’re not alone. We’ve helped hundreds of people through laparoscopic bariatric surgery techniques that include Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

The compassionate team at St. Joseph Health will help you consider all your options. And, when you’re ready, we’ll support your decision in every way possible.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide the following guidelines:

• Previous attempts at weight loss have not been successful
• No medical or psychological conditions exist that would make surgery too risky
• Patient is motivated and willing to undergo surgery and a complete change in lifestyle.

    AND

• BMI (body mass index) is 40 or above.

   OR

• BMI is 35 or above with the presence of diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia or other serious complications of obesity.

If this describes you, one of several bariatric surgery options may be right for you. These include laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.

So many life-changing benefits.

Our patients experience a dramatic improvement in their overall quality of life. They’re finally able to do the things they’ve been unable to do for so many years. And if that isn’t enough, bariatric surgery can also help patients achieve:

• Longer life expectancy
• Reduction or elimination of diabetes issues
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Reduction or elimination of hypertension
• Better sleep