The Bariatric Facts

Talking with your doctor, surgeon, bariatric nurse or support groups is the best way to help clarify some of the questions you might have about weight loss surgery. The Focus28 team also has the knowledge and skills to help you along your journey. Below are just a few important facts about bariatric surgery.

Did you know that you need to lose 10% of your Body Mass Index (BMI) to qualify for insurance?

Insurance companies want to help you become as healthy as you can over your entire life. So many diseases are caused by obesity, that they are willing to make the investment in you. But only if you are willing to make a commitment in yourself as well. Focus28 can help you begin the process through our Four Pillar approach of nutrition, fitness, image and empowerment – we can help you achieve your dream and sustain it successfully for the rest of your life.

Almost 70% of all bariatric patients gain most of their weight back!

That's because some people believe that weight loss surgery will bring automatic results. But the fact is, it doesn't. Does it make losing weight easier? Absolutely... but it still requires a lifelong commitment to a healthful and vital life... both physically and emotionally.

Clinical studies show that most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure, losing 30 to 50% of their excess weight in the first six months and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. With proper support, patients can maintain a 50-60% loss of excess weight 10-14 years after weight loss surgery, and the surgery has been found to be effective in improving and controlling many obesity-related health conditions, such as back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

You're not alone... the secret to your success is support!

Today 127 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight, and 60 million are obese. An estimated 9 million of those are considered morbidly obese. Last year there were over 250,000 bariatric surgeries nationwide, and that number is expected to double this year. Many people just like you have opted for the WLS option. More importantly, a vast majority of these people belong to support groups whose leaders (generally a Bariatric Nurse or Health Professional) and members are there to help each other live the best quality life possible!
Support groups provide bariatric patients with a forum for discussing issues and getting answers to questions. Most learn, for example, that weight loss surgery will not immediately resolve existing emotional issues or heal the years of damage that morbid obesity might have inflicted on their emotional well-being. Focus28's participating bariatric nurses and professionals have support groups in place to help you with short-term and long-term issues. Our Support Groups are run in concert with the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, a national, non-profit professional association of physicians formed in 1950.

It's more than just how you look and feel ... bariatric surgery can save your life!

We understand your need to live a normal life, and we’re devoted to helping you achieve your goals. But more importantly, being morbidly obese can lead to a shorter life and many life-threatening health problems. For individuals whose weight exceed twice their ideal body weight (that's about 2-6% of the U.S. population), the risk of an early death is doubled compared to non-obese individuals. It's our responsibility to outline these dangers to you. We have provided a list of some of the common obesity-related health conditions below. (Your doctor can provide a complete list.)

Now the good news: your weight condition is treatable and there is an entire team of health and wellness professionals surrounding you, ready and committed to ensuring that you are successful in your pursuit of a normal healthy life. Because at Focus28, your success is our success!