Bariatric Surgeons - La Jolla, North County, San Diego - Morbid Obesity
The Center for Disease Control reports that, currently, more than 30 percent of all Americans over the age of 20 are obese. For the majority of patients who suffer from severe obesity, diet and exercise are usually ineffective and usually lead to temporary weight loss, followed by rapid weight regain. The bariatric surgeons of La Jolla Weight Management, serving North County and all San Diego, offer patients with morbid obesity the opportunity to combine diet and exercise with effective weight loss surgery. Read on to find out whether you may be a candidate for any type of weight loss surgery. Our surgeons always provide comprehensive post-operative care, support, and management.
Morbid Obesity: Body Mass Index
In order to be considered a suitable candidate for weight-loss surgery by our bariatric surgeons, you must have either morbid obesity or obesity along with co-morbid health problems such as diabetes. We use the body mass index (BMI) system to calculate body weight: a BMI of 30 to 40 indicates obesity, while a BMI of higher than 40 indicates morbid obesity. You can use our convenient BMI calculator to determine your own BMI. We currently offer surgery to selected patients with lower BMIs (between 30 and 40) as part of our investigational work.
What does your BMI mean?
- Underweight
- = <18.5
- Normal Weight
- = 18.6-24.9
- Overweight
- = 25-29.9
- Obese
- = 30-40
- Morbidly Obese
- = 40 +
BMI Calculator
Other Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
Our bariatric surgeons' La Jolla and North County San Diego-area patients must have morbid obesity, but they must also:
- Be over 18 years old: Most patients must be over 18 years old. In some emergency cases, teenagers can undergo bariatric surgery, but our surgeons cannot operate on young children. Patients must be able to understand and agree to the probable outcome and potential risks of surgery.
- Have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through diet and exercise: Bariatric surgery is a final option when diet and exercise prove ineffective. Patients should have tried other alternatives before electing to undergo surgery.
- Be in good general health: Bariatric surgery is potentially risky. Patients must be healthy enough to tolerate a surgical procedure.
- Be able to meet post-surgical requirements: After surgery, patients will be subject to strict dietary and exercise requirements. Patients will not be able to improve their health without adhering to a comprehensive long-term weight loss plan. Patients who fail to adhere to these requirements may be subject to serious side-effects, and will most likely be unable to improve their health.
- Have realistic expectations: Anyone undergoing a procedure with our bariatric surgeons must be able to understand and accept the limitations of the procedure. Bariatric surgery is not an instant cure for morbid obesity. It requires long-term dedication, follow up, and patients must be psychologically prepared both for surgery and the post-surgical period.
Contact La Jolla Weight Management
Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of the bariatric surgeons at La Jolla Weight Management, serving North County and all of San Diego. You can discuss morbid obesity, candidacy for weight loss surgery, and any other concerns you have with a caring member of our surgical team.
