
Obesity is generally defined as being 30 percent over your ideal body weight. The National Institutes of Health defines morbid obesity as being 100 pounds or more overweight and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40.
While there are no known causes for chronic obesity, more than 300 genes have been identified with an increased risk for obesity. This genetic predisposition is evident in many extended families where siblings, parents and children all face the same dieting struggles and deadly consequences.
Several life-threatening and debilitating diseases are associated with obesity including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory complications and arthritis. The risks and severity of these conditions are even greater for those who are morbidly obese.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) considers you a good candidate for surgery:
*Adapted from NIH Consensus Development Conference Panel. Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity. Ann Intern Med 1991; 115:956-61.
“What we were looking forward to the most after surgery was the lifestyle change and we are now living our life in a way that we were never able to before.”
“I don't consider myself a patient, I consider myself part of the family. Dr. Marema and his team provide as perfect of an experience as you could ask for.”
“I would recommend Dr. Marema and his team for two reasons - their knowledge and their compassion. I believe that Dr. Marema, having been a bariatric patient himself, understands where you're coming from and understands the challenges.”