Weight Loss Surgery for people with BMI between 30 and 35  

   Many people who consider themselves only mildly overweight are surprised when they consult a BMI chart and find that they are considered obese. Weight loss surgery for people with only 40 to 90 extra pounds may initially sound like a “radical” option but consider that the best diets and professional weight loss programs are unsuccessful for the majority of overweight people. Diets lead to initial success with some weight loss, only to have you regain all the weight (and even more) later on. This type of “yo-yo” dieting is typical and may be worse for your health than simply staying heavy.

  
   Weight loss surgery has been shown to be the only effective treatment for severe obesity, resulting in tremendous health improvements as well as improvement in quality of life for people undergoing surgery. Recently, both the safety and health benefits of weight loss surgery in the treatment of mild obesity have been demonstrated in the medical literature.

How is weight loss surgery different than liposuction or a tummy tuck?

   Liposuction or a tummy tuck only removes subcutaneous fat without improving your health.After weight loss surgery you lose fat from around your vital organs as well as subcutaneous fat loss. Weight loss surgery leads to reduced hunger and allows you to be satisfied with a small meal. Not only do you look better but you are healthier and eat healthier.

Why weight loss surgery instead of diet and exercise?

   We don’t advocate surgery instead of diet and exercise. But if you are one of the many people who have not been successful with diet and exercise alone, you may want to consider surgery as an addition to your program of diet and exercise.

 
Will my health insurance company pay for weight loss surgery?

   Most health insurance plans will not pay for weight loss surgery for people with a BMI below 35. However, many people with a medical Health Saving Account can use these funds for weight loss surgery. Additionally, expenses related to weight loss surgery are tax deductible.

    In considering the cost of weight loss surgery, you should consider how much you already spend on unsuccessful weight loss programs and diet books, how much you currently spend on food, and how much you would be willing to spend for the opportunity to finally lose your excess weight and live a healthier life.

Click here to read about the costs of weight loss surgery if it is not covered by your insurance.

What is mild to moderate obesity?

Mild to moderate obesity is determined by calculating your body mass index (also called BMI).  

If you are 5 ft. 6 in. tall and weigh between 185 pounds and 215 pounds, your BMI is between 30 and 35.

Options in weight loss surgery for people with a BMI <35.