American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

There is considerable misinformation concerning the validity of bariatric surgery in the management of morbid obesity. The following "Rationale for Surgery" covers the field in general. References are provided to allow the interested reader to obtain more detailed information along with the opportunity to examine the original data on which these statements are based.

Questions that you might consider when assessing your need for surgical intervention:

• Did you make a New Years Resolution to lose weight again this year?
• Can you walk up 10 stairs without stopping to catch your breath?
• Did you select your last car based on the car that fits you rather than the car you wanted?
• Are you the one behind the camera in your family photos?
• Can you plan an afternoon in the park and enjoy it with the kids?

Department of Health and Human Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that the evidence is adequate to conclude that open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and open and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), are reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries who have a body-mass index (BMI) > 35, have at least one co-morbidity related to obesity, and have been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity.

National Institutes of Health Recommendations

Dr. Emil Matei has a proven record of experience and successful outcomes. Experience has proven that medical weight reduction programs, by themselves, benefit less than 5% of the seriously overweight or morbidly obese population. Less than 1% of those who obtain significant weight reduction will keep the weight off.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) considers you a candidate for surgery:

• If you have tried and failed with dieting.
• If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35 or greater.
• If you have any serious co-morbid conditions associated with your obesity, such as, diabetes, hypertension, depression, heart Disease, sleep Apnea...
• If you are more than 100 lbs over "ideal" weight.

All persons who are obese or overweight should try not to gain additional weight. In addition, those who are obese or who are overweight with other risk factors should consider losing weight. A complete health assessment by a physician is the best way to decide the right steps for you.

Whatever your BMI, talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk for disease and if you should lose weight. Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight) may help to lower the risk of disease.