Links BMI stands for Body Mass Index. This is a ratio between a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. This is a standard formula used to determine a patient's health risk. A BMI of greater than 40 (or 35 with other health issues related to obesity) is a necessary criteria for bariatric surgery. Psychological Evaluation & Other Consultations Help / Tools Video Download Rate Chart For more instructions see help page Downloads: Download Free RealPlayer See RealPlayer Download Diagram for more help.

An estimated 65% of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese, with 5% falling into the morbidly obese category. Excess weight substantially raises the risk of morbidity from hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, as well as endometrial breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Higher body weights are also associated with increases in mortality. As the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, this problem poses a major public health challenge.

The Laparoscopic Bariatric Program at UCLA is designed to assist people in improving their health and the quality of their lives by using surgical intervention for weight reduction. Although bariatric surgery has shown to be an effective tool in weight loss, it is important for patients to remember that the surgery, afterall, is only a tool. A successful outcome is dependent on the patients' commitment to a long-term lifestyle change.

There are several methods available for the surgical treatment of obesity.  At UCLA, we commonly perform the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery, gastric band removal, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery on a case by case basis. We do not advocate, perform or adjust various types of gastric bands.