It is a chronic, life-long, multifactorial, genetically-related, life-threatening disease with highly significant medical, psychological, social, physical and economic co-morbidities. Approximately 8 million people in the U.S. are morbidly obese, and two-thirds of the adult population are overweight or obese. Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death according to US government reports.

Generally, morbid obesity means weighing more than 100 pounds over ideal body weight. Specifically, morbid obesity is defined by Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters, squared (or BMI = weight kg/height m2).

According to the NIH Consensus Panel, indications for bariatric surgery include:

  
BMI over 40
BMI over 35 plus co-morbid conditions
Recent data confirms that even patients with BMI 30-35 experience a significant clinical benefit from the Lap Band. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not recognize this group of patients, so it becomes an out-of-pocket expense (see Financing Options).
 
 
Under 18.5
Underweight
18.5 - 24.9
Normal weight
25 - 29.9
Overweight
Over 30
Obesity
 
 
 
Height ft     inches
Weight lbs