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<<  Introduction

What is Weight Loss Surgery?

Obesity is a major health epidemic in the United States and around the world. Being obese contributes to a number of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, and more. More than 25% of the population of the US is now considered obese, and that number continues to grow.

Obesity is measured by the Body Mass Index, or BMI. You can calculate your own BMI by dividing your weight (lbs) by your height in inches squared (in²) and then multiplying your result by 703. Alternatively, there is an online BMI calculator available at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

BMI Classifications: Classification BMI Health Risk* Underweight <19 Low Ideal BMI 19-24.9 Minimal/Low Overweight 25-29.9 Increased Obese ≥30 High Severely Obese ≥35 Very High Morbidly Obese ≥40 Extremely High Super Obese ≥50 Extremely High  * Health risk includes disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The BMI classification and health risk information above are based on “Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults” published by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, in 1998.

 

Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone are often not enough to allow for significant weight loss. Even when diet and exercise result in weight loss, people tend to regain most of that weight within one year and often ultimately gain more weight in the long-term.

There are a number of options for Weight Loss Surgery (also called Bariatric Surgery), all of which have the goal of allowing you to eat less, lose weight, and regain health. In most studies, patients lose 2/3 of their excess body weight following weight loss surgery. For example, the ideal body weight for a 5’4’’ woman is 120lbs. A 280-pound woman of that height has a BMI of 48, with an excess body weight of 160lbs. On average, she could expect to lose 105lbs. Of course, some patients lose more, and some lose less.

Weight Loss Surgery is not just about the number of pounds lost. More important is improvement in your health. Many studies have found improved quality of life, improvement or resolution of diabetes, and a reduction in other health problems such as sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

Weight Loss Surgery should not be considered an end in itself. Instead, think of it as a tool that allows you to regain control of your diet. As weight comes off, you will be able to be more active, begin to exercise, and feel better physically and mentally. Success depends only in part on the operation. A large part of your long-term success is up to you.

Of course, no decision to have an operation should be taken lightly. All weight loss operations have risks such as bleeding, infection, and intestinal injury. These risks need to be considered and weighed in relation the real benefits of lost weight and increased health.

Is Weight Loss Surgery right for me?  >>

Contact the Weight Loss Surgery Program at the University of Washington  >>

 

Department of Surgery websites contact: scalpel@u.washington.edu

© 2007 Department of Surgery  |  UW Medicine  |  University of Washington