Obesity
becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point
of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related
health conditions or serious diseases (also known as
co-morbidities) that result either in significant physical
disability or even death. As you read about morbid obesity
you may also see the term "clinically severe obesity" used.
Both are descriptions of the same condition and can be
used interchangeably. Morbid obesity is typically defined
as being 100 lbs. or more over ideal body weight or having
a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher. According to the National
Institutes of Health Consensus Report, morbid obesity
is a serious disease and must be treated as such. It
is a chronic disease, meaning that its symptoms build
slowly over an extended period of time.
Where
to Begin
Understanding the disease of morbid
obesity and weight loss surgery is essential. Our web
site has been created to give you an understanding of
weight loss surgery, the known benefits and risks associated
with laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastricbypass and Gastric
Banding. Additionally, we encourage you to talk to your
primary care health provider. To help we have prepared
a list of
questions for you to ask your health care
provider and surgeon as you consider weight loss surgery.
Finding an experienced weight loss
surgeon with an established multidisciplinary
team program is an important step in the
process of considering weight loss surgery. Talking
to others who have taken the path you are
now considering may help you understand what you need
to know to make a decision that is comfortable for you.
Below is more helpful information that
may answer some of your questions and provide the resources
you need in the decision making process. In the end,
your best source of information is an experienced bariatric
surgeon who knows how to handle your special needs before,
during and after weight loss surgery.
Obesity
becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point
of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related
health conditions or serious diseases (also known as
co-morbidities) that result either in significant physical
disability or even death. As you read about morbid obesity
you may also see the term "clinically severe obesity" used.
Both are descriptions of the same condition and can be
used interchangeably. Morbid obesity is typically defined
as being 100 lbs. or more over ideal body weight or having
a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher. According to the National
Institutes of Health Consensus Report, morbid obesity
is a serious disease and must be treated as such. It
is a chronic disease, meaning that its symptoms build
slowly over an extended period of time.
