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Peter LePort, M.D.
Smart Dimensions
Fountain Valley, CA
  • Lapband (Laparoscopic Gastric Banding)
  • Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery
  • Gastric Bypass Surgery
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Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost & Profile

  • Avg. Cost: $25000
  • Candidate: BMI of 40 or higher
  • Length: 2 hours
  • Treatments: One
  • Results: Permanent
  • Back to work: 3-6 weeks

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Body Mass Index Calculator (BMI)

Published Aug 23, 2008

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Note: These calculators require a JavaScript-enabled Web browser to operate. Alternately, you may make use of the mathematical formulas.

English Calculation
Height:  feet
and  inch(es)
Weight:  pounds
(Note: 8 ounces = 0.5 pounds)

Your BMI:

Metric Calculation
Height:  Meters
(Note: 1 Meter = 100cm)
Weight:  Kilograms

Your BMI:

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index or BMI is a tool for indicating weight status in adults.1 It is a measure of weight for height. For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of these categories:

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese

Note: BMI for Children and Teens is based on gender and age specific charts.

BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.2

For more information about overweight among adults, see Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Bethesda, MD: NHLBI, 1998.

How does BMI relate to health?

The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death.3 As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include4

  • Premature death
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Some cancers
  • Diabetes

BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease.

What Does This All Mean?

So you have calculated your BMI and found which weight category your BMI matches. What does this all mean?

BMI is not the only indicator of health risk.

BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes). Other factors that may be important to look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include:

  • Diet
  • Physical Activity
  • Waist Circumference
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Sugar Level
  • Cholesterol Level
  • Family History of disease

All persons who are obese or overweight should try not to gain additional weight. In addition, those who are obese or who are overweight with other risk factors should consider losing weight. A complete health assessment by a physician is the best way to decide the right steps for you.

Whatever your BMI, talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk for disease and if you should lose weight. Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight) may help to lower the risk of disease.

Physical activity and good nutrition are key factors in leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk for disease.

Common Myths

Myth: BMI Measures Body Fat

Two people can have the same BMI, but a different percent body fat. A bodybuilder with a large muscle mass and a low percent body fat may have the same BMI as a person who has more body fat because BMI is calculated using weight and height only.

These men have the same height, weight, and BMI, but may have different percent body fat.

Drawing of a man with a muscular build
6'3" Height 6'3"
220 lbs Weight 220 lbs
27.5 BMI 27.5
Drawing of a man with a less muscular build

This is a good reminder that BMI is only one piece of a person's health profile. It is important to talk with your doctor about other measures and risk factors. (e.g., waist circumference, smoking, physical activity level, and diet.)

Myth: BMI is a diagnostic tool

BMI alone is not diagnostic. It is one of many risk factors for disease and death. As a person's BMI increases the risk for many diseases increases as well.

References

1 Garrow JS and Webster J. Quetelet's index (W/H2) as a measure of fatness. International Journal of Obesity 1985;9:147-153.

2 Gallagher D, et al. How useful is BMI for comparison of body fatness across age, sex and ethnic groups? American Journal of Epidemiology 1996;143:228-239.

3 World Health Organization. Physical status: The use and interpretation of anthropometry. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization 1995. WHO Technical Report Series.

4 Calle EE, et al. BMI and mortality in prospective cohort of U.S. adults. New England Journal of Medicine 1999;341:1097-1105.

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Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion




Gastric Bypass Surgery Surgery Information Guide

Basics of Gastric Bypass Surgery
"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
  1. Gastric Bypass / Gastric Banding Basics
    Bariatric surgery, the surgical reduction of stomach volume, has been performed for decades in the United States. The two FDA approved procedures practiced most frequently are gastric bypass, which creates a small pouch that is attached to the small intestine, and gastric banding, a silicone band strapped around the upper portion of the stomach. Many of today's surgeries are done with minimally invasive technology that reduces pain and scarring.
  2. BMI for Children and Teens (BMI-for-age)
    Calculate the BMI for children and find out what it means.
  3. Body Mass Index Calculator (BMI)
    Take a moment to calculate your BMI and find out what it means. BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes).
  4. Bariatric Surgery Basics
    When diet and exercise have failed to produce results, an increasing percent of the population has turned to bariatric surgery, dramatically reducing their stomach volume. Though this procedure can offer benefits such as weight loss and reversal of life threatening diseases like type II diabetes, there are also associated risks that patients should be aware of. Choosing your surgeon carefully and being dedicated to post-operative changes in eating habits are steps to successful surgery.
Details of Gastric Bypass Surgery
"I already know some basic things about the surgery and I'm ready to research some of the details and maybe ask some questions."
  1. Re-Facing Surgery: Choosing Facial Plastic Surgery after Weight-Loss...
    Contouring of the Body after weight loss is a major concern for many bariatric patients, however, extra skin around the face can create similar aesthetic issues. Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. David Saadat discusses his experience with re-shaping the face of post-bariatric patients.
  2. Dietary Guidelines Focus on Calories, Physical Activity, and...
    The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was realesed January 12th. The report focuses on how Americans can live a healthier lifestyle by monitoring what foods their calories come from.
  3. Bariatric Surgery Links
    Links to other sites of interest about bariatric surgery.
  4. Do I Need Plastic Surgery After My Bariatric Surgery?
    After bariatric surgery excess skin can become droopy and saggy. Learn what plastic surgery can do to fix this problem.
  5. Patient Perspective: Life After Gastric Bypass
    Two years after gastric bypass surgery Stacy Long has lost a hundred pounds and is feeling better than ever, but it took a lot of effort. Read how she adapted to life after surgery and changed her life.
  6. Patient Perspective: Losing Weight, Gaining Self-Confidence
    Marsha Friedberg underwent bariatric surgery in 2001 and plastic surgery to re-contour her body 3 years later. She is now healthy, happy, and enjoying life like she hasn't in years.
  7. Studying the Effects of Bariatric Surgery
    Recent studies show that experienced surgeons and hospitals greatly reduce the risks associated with bariatric surgery.
  8. Is Bariatric Surgery A Safe Option For Teens?
    New evidence suggests that teenagers are at no greater risk when they undergo bariatric surgery in order to lose weight, but some doctors are still skeptical.
  9. How to Choose the Right Doctor for Weight Loss Surgery
    With dozens of bariatric surgeons and doctors available, how do you make the right choice? Here are some tips on choosing the right doctor for weight loss surgery:
  10. 10 Things You Need for Recovery After Plastic Surgery
    Your procedure may leave you with scars, pain and stress during the recovery stages, and planning ahead with the right tools and supplies can make recovery much easier. Here are the top ten things you need.
  11. Gastric Bypass Surgery Before & After Photos
Ready for Gastric Bypass Surgery
"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
  1. Seven Signs You?re Ready for Plastic Surgery
    If you?ve decided to jump into a plastic surgery to fix a figure flaw, you?ll be joining millions of Americans going under the knife for the latest procedure. But are you really ready?
  2. Find Bariatric Doctors around Yorba Linda, CA
  3. Find Bariatric Doctors In Other Cities
  4. Patient Financing
    Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
  1. Healthy Lifestyle Tips After Gastric Bypass Surgery ? Living...
    From new workout routines to eating a high-protein meal plan, here are some healthy lifestyle tips for living well after drastic weight loss.
  2. Food Shopping After Gastric Bypass Surgery
    Since most bariatric patients must limit the quantities of food at each meal, a carefully planned menu is required. Here are some of the key foods to include in your weekly diet after gastric bypass surgery.
  3. Recommend Your Doctor
Featured Articles & News Related to Gastric Bypass Surgery
"What other related things might I like to know?"
  1. Bariatric Surgery: When Patients Become the Center of Attention...
    Bariatric surgery centers often take a more comprehensive approach and require more from their patients than basic surgeons that may not focus solely on baraitrics. If you're a patient that benefits from additional attention and additional tools and resources, both before and after surgery, centers of this type could offer you yet another option when considering bariatric surgery.
  2. Large Diet, Large Health Risks
    Morgan Spurlock and his thirty-day McDonald?s diet gained big numbers at the box office and on his doctor's scale. Read about his health risks and public and corporate reaction after the first few months in theatre.
  3. Bariatrics: The Surgical Way to a Smaller Stomach
    The high profile cases of bariatric surgery, including Roseanne Barr, Al Roker, and Carnie Wilson, have grabbed the American publics attention. The frequency of this stomach shrinking surgery is continually growing and attracting more and more of the medical profession with better technology and more experience.
  4. Weight Loss Programs that Work ? REALIZE Gastric Band Unveiled...
    If morbid obesity is taking its toll on your health and lifestyle, gastric band surgery may be an effective way to lose the weight for good. When you have over 50 lbs. to lose, dieting and exercise usually aren?t enough; gastric band surgery can help you lose the weight by constricting the size of your stomach so you simply eat less. Weight loss experts and bariatric surgeons are now turning to an improved version of the original silicone prosthetic device of gastric bands with The REALIZE Gastric Band.
  5. Seven Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery
    For those that have at least 100 pounds to lose, obesity surgery may be the only solution for stopping excessive weight gain in its tracks. Still, weight loss isn?t the only benefit of the drastic change; here are seven other advantages of the gastric bypass procedure.
  6. Treating Obesity Without Gastric Bypass Surgery ? What Are the...
    Weight loss surgery offers hope for those who need to lose more than 100 pounds, and procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric banding and other bariatric procedures are helping many win at the battle of the bulge. But is surgery the only choice for dramatic weight loss?
  7. Addiction Transfer After Gastric Bypass Surgery ? The Hidden...
    To conquer the problem of excessive weight gain and cases of obesity, many Americans turn to gastric bypass surgery to eliminate the extra pounds. Unfortunately, these patients are also vulnerable to several vices if food addiction is left unaddressed.
  8. Gastric Banding Reduces Impact of Type 2 Diabetes
    While millions of obese patients pursue gastric bypass surgery to get rid of excess pounds, weight loss may not be the only reason to go under the knife. Gastric banding surgery may help improve conditions of Type 2 diabetes; find out why.
  9. Surgeons Announce Surgery-Free Weight Loss Procedure
    Anxious to lose those excess pounds? Surgery may not be your only option; researchers are testing an innovative procedure that helps patients block out calories and lose an extensive amount of weight - all without a single incision.
  10. Overview of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
    Single incision laparoscopic surgery is an innovative procedure where the doctor uses just a single incision to insert the camera and instruments needed to perform the bariatric surgery procedure. Here's a close look at how single incision laparoscopic surgery works, and what its key benefits are.
  11. Bariatric Surgery Procedures That Improve Diabetes
    Some bariatric procedures have also been proven to improve diabetes, a common condition that affects those who are overweight or obese. Find out how gastric bypass or gastric banding may help you resolve diabetes.
  12. Cost of Bariatric Surgery: How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery...
    Not only do the surgeon's fees and hospital fees vary by location of the bariatric surgery center, but some patients require follow up procedures such as liposuction, skin tightening procedures and nutritional counseling services to maintain their results. Here's a close look at all the costs involved with weight loss surgery.
  13. Incision Free Weight Loss Procedures: What Are the Options?
    Minimally invasive procedures such as LAP-BAND surgery and new techniques in gastric bypass surgery are no longer the only options for people living with morbid obesity. Here's an overview of some of the latest options in incision free weight loss procedures.
  14. Overview of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
    Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the latest options in bariatric surgery and is designed to jump-start weight loss in patients who may not qualify for invasive weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass surgery. Here's a close look at how gastric sleeve surgery works.
  15. Top 8 Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
    People living with morbid obesity often suffer from several non physical problems, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory problems which can be corrected after bariatric surgery. Here are just eight of many benefits of undergoing bariatric surgery.
  16. Tips for Working with Your Insurance Company for Bariatric Surgery...
    The majority of bariatric surgery patients can get a significant amount of their surgery costs covered by an insurance company, but there are several key questions that you need to ask before signing the contract. Here's what you need to know.
  17. Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Weight Loss Surgery Procedure...
    In order to achieve lasting results with bariatric surgery, you will need to make several lifestyle changes and also begin an exercise regimen. Here's a brief look at some of the most effective ways to lose the weight and keep it off when undergoing bariatric surgery.
Browse All Articles

Related Subjects and Keywords: BMI  body mass index  calculator  chronic disease  heart disease  cancer  diabetes 


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