Morbid obesity is defined as the maintenance of body weight to such an extent that it significantly increases the risk for the development of other medical illnesses and the shortening of life span. A weight greater than 100 pounds over ideal body weight and/or those persons whose body mass index (BMI) (weight in pounds x 703/height in inches x height in inches) is greater than 40 qualify as super obese and are considered candidates for weight loss surgery. Patients who feel they have exhausted all efforts at medical, dietary, and exercise approaches may be candidates for obesity surgery. Patients with medical illnesses associated with obesity (Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, arthritis/degenerative joint disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease) or conditions made more severe with obesity are considered surgical candidates at a BMI of 35.
Weight loss surgery can reduce if not eliminate these comorbidities, lengthen lifespan, and return the enjoyment of everyday activities to the patient.
