It's important to know you're not the only one asking this question. Over
40% of adults in the U.S. suffer from obesity or excess weight, and nearly
1% of people have severe obesity. At UF Health St. Johns Bariatrics, we
recognize that weight loss surgery is not just about shedding pounds.
It's about regaining control of your health and rewriting the story of
your life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excess fat
in the body is commonly associated with more than one life-threatening
health condition. Heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types
of cancer are among them. In addition, obesity also impacts quality of
life and can commonly interfere with social and personal activities. Sometimes
a lifestyle change related to diet or exercise can help prevent diseases
like obesity, but not always.
Bariatric surgery helps people lose excess weight by changing the structure
of the stomach and intestines. Learning about the expenses of a bariatric
procedure helps patients plan with confidence. Weight loss surgery reduces
a patient’s premature death risks by 30 to 50%. While it can be
expensive, many additional costs arising from being overweight can be
eliminated.
Surgical Criteria
Weight loss surgery candidates must meet the following criteria for surgery:
Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more OR have a BMI greater than 35
with at least one significant health problem
Be between the ages of 18-80 years old (some exceptions apply; will be
determined on an individual basis)
Visit
here to learn more about your surgical options.
What if Surgery Isn't the Solution?
UF Health St. Johns Bariatrics doesn't just focus on surgical options to
help you achieve your ideal body weight. We also are dedicated to working
with each patient to assist with weight management and create a healthy
lifestyle.
As a center accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation
and Quality Improvement Program, you are guided through your weight loss
journey by a team of experts from different disciplines. Every member
of our program works together to help you meet your weight loss goals.
How to Tell if You're Obese
The most common way to assess your weight and measure health risks related
to your weight is through your body mass index.
BMI is calculated using height and weight. To determine your BMI, use this
online calculator or:
Multiply your weight in pounds by 703
Divide that answer by your height in inches
Divide that answer by your height in inches again
For example, a woman who weighs 270 pounds (122 kilograms) and is 68 inches
(172 centimeters) tall has a BMI of 41.0.
See below to determine what category your BMI falls into:
Below 18.5 = Underweight
18.5 to 24.9 = Healthy
25.0 to 29.9 = Overweight
30.0 to 39.9 = Obese
Over 40 = Morbid obesity (extreme or high-risk obesity)
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