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Stanford Health Care

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Start to Getting Your Life Back

Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise and medication have failed. Bariatric surgery also contributes significantly to resolving co-morbidities and regaining your quality—and quantity—of life.

Potential candidates include:

  • People with a BMI greater than 40
  • Men who are 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or women who are 80 pounds over their ideal body weight
  • Persons with a BMI between 35 and 40 who have another condition such as obesity-related Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease

Bariatric surgery does help many people reduce or eliminate some health-related obesity problems. It may help to:

  • Lower blood sugar
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce or eliminate sleep apnea
  • Decrease the workload of the heart
  • Lower cholesterol levels

Surgery for weight loss is not a universal remedy, but it can be highly effective if you're motivated after surgery to follow guidelines for nutrition and exercise and to take nutritional supplements.