Healthcare at West Virginia University

Morbid obesity and clinically severe obesity are medically defined conditions. Obesity is measured by comparing a person's weight to their height in a term called Body Mass Index, or BMI. BMI is measured by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by their height (in meters squared). You can calculate your own BMI using the Body Mass Index Calculator.

Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI of 40. A BMI of 40 usually corresponds to being about 100 pounds overweight. Persons who have a BMI of greater than 35 and also have diseases associated with obesity — like high blood pressure, diabetes, degenerative arthritis, and sleep apnea — are considered to have clinically severe obesity.

What are the qualifications for this procedure?

You must be at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight and be able to document other weight loss programs that you have tried, but failed, including at least one medically supervised weight loss program . I n addition, a psychologist and a nutritionist will evaluate you.

As with all types of major abdominal surgery, there is a chance of post-operative complications. Complications may include (but are not limited to) cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, or wound infection. Your surgeon will discuss possible complications and risks with you. However, modern bariatric surgery is proven to be safe and effective with minimal overall complications.

Some common complications are hair loss, vomiting, intolerance of some foods, mineral deficiency, or stomach ulcer development. Most of these complications can be resolved or avoided by good nutrition and carefully eating. Your surgeon will provide pre-surgical and post-surgical plans that minimize the risk of such complications.

This would require a major operation, thus increasing the risk. Bariatric surgery should be considered permanent.

Losing too much weight is very unlikely. A possible exception is the rare patient who develops an obstruction of the outlet of the stomach with frequent vomiting (a correctable condition). Two keys to success after weight loss surgery are the rules no snacking and no high-calorie liquids with meals.

In general, after the initial consultation in the office, it can take anywhere from three to eight weeks to have the surgery. Once we have gathered the information that we need, we send a letter to your insurance company for pre-approval for the procedure. Once obtained, you would then undergo an in-depth medical history and physical examination as well as some laboratory tests and x-rays. Provided there are no additional or unexpected medical problems that would require treatment first, we would schedule your operation.

In general, you can return to work two to three weeks after the surgery.

Immediately after surgery, food intake is limited to one or two ounces per meal so that the stomach can heal properly. Later, the amount of food that can be eaten increases. Beginning about six months after surgery, you will be able to eat four to eight ounces of food per meal.

Patients generally lose 60 to 85 percent of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. After that, weight loss continues until about 18 months after surgery as the patient approaches his/her goal weight. If you exercise, attend support groups, and eat healthy foods, your weight loss from bariatric surgery can be significantly greater.

Women should avoid pregnancy for two years after surgery because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. If you should become pregnant, you will need to carefully watch your dietary program to make sure you and your baby are well nourished.