Video Website powered by Einstein IndustriesPeter C. Leport, M.D.

We use a relatively strict criteria for bariatric surgery. We follow the National Institute of Health guidelines and approximately somebody has to be about 100 pounds overweight, and we calculate this using what is called a body mass index and what that really does is it factors out somebody’s height, so it is a formula based on height versus weight and a normal body mass index is 18 to 25 is normal range and our patients typically have to have a body mass index of 40 or greater, which is about a 100 pounds overweight. There are some people who may qualify for surgery with a lesser weight if they have already shown some medical issues because of the weight, in particular diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea. If they have those problems already then they can typically qualify for surgery with a BMI of 35 or higher. We look at each patient individually and decide whether they meet criteria for surgery or not.