Clinically Severe Obesity
Ninety-seven million Americans, or 55 percent of the population, are overweight. This excess weight increases the risk and severity of hypertension, lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and cancer. Six million of these individuals suffer from clinically severe obesity, also called morbid obesity, which drastically multiplies these risks. Sadly, this condition can also make impossible simple life activities that most people take for granted. Conquering severe obesity is much more than attaining a number - either a clothing size or a mark on a scale. It is about restoring and preserving your health, extending your life and achieving a satisfying lifestyle. The Severe Obesity Surgery program at University Hospital and Medical Center now offers hope to the clinically obese for today, tomorrow and beyond.

Clinically severe obesity is not a disorder of will power. It is a disease whose contributing causes include heredity, environment, culture, and socio-economic and psychological factors. An individual who is more than 100 pounds overweight or with a body mass index of 40 or greater (35 or greater with co-existing conditions) is classified as morbidly obese. An individual for whom less invasive methods have failed - usually for many years - and who is at high risk for obesity-associated illness may be a candidate to have their obesity treated with surgical intervention.

Surgical Intervention
Surgical treatment for severe obesity is not a cosmetic procedure. It is a tool that involves reducing the size of the gastric reservoir of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine to limit to a very small amount the quantity of food which can be consumed. When this change in eating is accompanied by special dietary and nutritional guidelines, a carefully designed exercise Along with a positive attitude, surgical intervention can be remarkably successful. Surgical treatment alone, however, does not guarantee success and the decision to undergo these procedures cannot be made lightly. The candidate must be determined to lose weight, must understand that they will need to make major changes after their surgery and accept that they will require lifelong medical follow-up.
The staff of the Severe Obesity Surgery program focus on helping you establish and achieve realistic goals - for today, tomorrow and beyond.

An Interdisciplinary Approach
The Severe Obesity Surgery program at University Hospital and Medical Center is interdisciplinary, addressing the patient's medical, nutritional, physical and psychological needs. The staff offers continuous, compassionate support and guidance in an environment of utmost respect. The focus is to help each patient establish and achieve realistic goals - for today, tomorrow and beyond.

Becoming a Patient
While many patients are referred by a personal physician, anyone is welcome to attend the complimentary monthly educational seminars. These educational seminars provide an opportunity to learn about surgical intervention for weight loss, explore the options and make an informed decision. Call 1- 888-256-7728 for a reservation.

Insurance
When a patient meets the medical criteria for morbid obesity, surgical treatment is usually covered by most private insurances and many HMOs. Private paying patients are also welcome. The hospital's outpatient registration staff will be glad to help you determine the coverage provided by your insurance. For a list of the insurances the hospital accepts, call toll free to 1-888-256-7728, or visit us on line at www.UHMChealth.com.