Frequently Asked Question Bariatric Surgery

Do you have an obesity problem?

To determine if a person has overweight or obesity problems, it is best to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). This calculation is done taking in mind the weight and height of the individual. People are considered obese when their BMI is above 30 kg/m². If the BMI is above 35, they are classified as severely obese, while those above 40 are considered to suffer from morbid obesity. You can refer to our home page to determine your Body Mass Index. Click on”Calculate your Body Mass Index” and type your data: weight and height. Click “calculate” and you will obtain your BMI. Remember to type the units used, kgs or lbs for the weight and meters or feet for height.

What patients are candidates for surgery for obesity?

Patients with BMI of 35 kg/m² or greater are candidates for gastric bypass. Those with a BMI of 40 are considered to have morbid obesity, a disease by itself that puts in danger the life of the patient. Frequently these patients have related diseases, caused by or deteriorated by their obese condition, like hypertension, diabetes, knee arthrosis, sleep apnea, etc. The sleeve gastrectomy is an excellent choice of treatment for patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m2 who have failed multiple trials to lose weight.

What surgery is best suited?

At the moment of choosing a type of surgery it is important to have in mind three objectives after the operation:

• Lose a significant amount of weight.
• Maintain this new weight in the long term. (No weight regain.)
• Have a good quality of life.

The best surgery available to fulfill these is the LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC BYPASS. This method is highly suggested for patients with a BMI between 35 and 50 kg/m². Those who have a BMI greater than 50 kg/m² will benefit from a LAPAROSCOPIC BILIOPANCREATIC DIVERSION. The SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY is left for overweight people with BMI below 35 kg/m².