Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help eliminate serious health problems associated with severe obesity while significantly increasing your quality of life. However, weight-loss surgery is a major operation, and it's not for everyone. In fact, bariatric surgery is normally reserved for patients who are considered "morbidly obese" based on the criteria of the National Institute of Health.

Candidates for weight-loss surgery typically exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

• Are 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight
• Either have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition Calculate your BMI
• Are documented to have tried and failed numerous times to lose weight under a medically supervised weight reduction program
• Are above the age of 16
• Suffer from life-threatening conditions (type II diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, etc.) caused by obesity

If you exhibit one or more of the above characteristics, then you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery. It is important to remember that while surgery offers you a powerful weight loss tool, it is not a cure-all. Bariatric surgery is just a part of the complete lifestyle change you must be willing to commit to as part of your weight management program.

You can regain your health! Start losing weight now and begin an exercise regimen prior to surgery to help build up your heart and lungs to better prepare for surgery. If you smoke, stop smoking and make the commitment to improving your health long term. Make quitting smoking part of that commitment. These are lifestyle changes you should strongly consider before undergoing weight-loss surgery.

Please consult with your physician, or attend one of our free seminars to learn more about bariatric surgery. You may also contact us with questions or call our program assistant directly at (559) 324-4815 for more information.