Considering Weight-Loss Surgery?
The number of obese and overweight Americans has increased dramatically over the past few years. In the United States, nearly 55 percent of adults are overweight and nearly four million Americans are severely obese. Of these four million obese people, those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher are defined as “morbidly obese.”
Due to their excessive weight, those who are morbidly obese often suffer from more serious health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and are also at an increased risk of death from certain cancers. In fact, obesity and inactivity combined lead to almost 300,000 premature deaths each year.
While many morbidly obese people are aware of these serious health risks, traditional diets, exercise regimens and medications are often unsuccessful in helping them reach and maintain a healthy body weight. For many, surgery is often the only alternative for long-term weight reduction.
The Bariatric Surgery Program at the University of Pennsylvania Health System offers comprehensive care for the morbidly obese patient before and after weight-loss surgery. Our team of experts works together to provide the best medical care, while also helping patients achieve lifestyle and weight-loss goals.
Our experienced surgeons are well versed in both laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgeries, and perform the latest, most advanced bariatric surgery procedures, including LAP-BAND®, vertical-banded gastroplasty and roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery.
The Bariatric Surgery Program at the University of Pennsylvania Health System provides care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Pennsylvania Hospital.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN (7366) or log on to http://www.pennmedicine.org/bariatrics.
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