minimum weight for surgery

Question
I am 5'5" and 182 lbs.  I have struggled with this all my life. Is there a surgical procedure for me?

Answer
Rose,
The height and weight you've given me put your Body Mass Index at 30.  This is a really tough place to be, since your level of obesity DOES increase your risk of significant medical problems, but it does not reach the level where it is generally accepted that the risk/benefit ratio weighs in favor of surgery.

I am also not aware of any medication that is especially helpful in a situation like yours.

On the good news side:  As the risk of several surgical procedures has dropped, physicians are seriously discussing the merits of doing selected surgical procedures for people with a BMI > 30.  In other words, my answer about whether there is any surgery for you may be different 2 years from now.

I hope this is helpful,
Dr JP

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