Low BMI Weight Loss Surgery in Connecticut

Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for those who are considered morbidly obese, that is, people with a body mass index (BMI) over 40. At a BMI of 40, the health risks of excess weight greatly exceed the risks associated with surgery. Until recently, the LAP-BAND and other gastric bands, which are regulated by the FDA, have only been approved for the morbidly obese. On February 16, 2011, the FDA approved the LAP-BAND System for expanded use in overweight individuals with a BMI of at least 30 with one or more comorbid health conditions, who have failed more conservative weight-loss methods such as diet, exercise and pharmacotherapy.

The FDA decision is very timely. Recently, significant evidence has surfaced suggesting that weight loss surgery is an effective option for people who are overweight but who have a BMI lower than 40. Many people with a BMI of 30 to 40 still carry an extra 50 to 70 pounds and have disproportionately high rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, infertility/PCOS and type II diabetes. Most of these conditions can be improved, if not solved, through surgical weight loss. There is also a significant risk reduction in all patients who undergo surgery in regards to cancer - particularly, breast and colon cancer.

Type II diabetes is of particular concern. This is a degenerative disease, meaning that it worsens over time. If a patient with early-onset type II diabetes were to lose weight through surgery, they could prevent the condition from worsening over time. Many patients see their blood glucose levels stabilize after surgery and are able to stop taking diabetes medications.

With these new criteria approved, over 60 million Americans may now be eligible for bariatric surgery. In Connecticut, over 20% of the population (more than 700,000 people) are obese with a BMI of 30 or more. Now these people, who have been struggling with 50 to 70 pounds of excess weight, have access to a truly effective, surgical weight loss option.  

Low-BMI Surgical Procedures in Connecticut

The FDA allows surgeons to use their medical expertise to choose who can undergo weight loss surgery. This means that if you have medical conditions associated with your weight, you can seek a surgical evaluation at our Connecticut offices in either Fairfield, New Haven, or New London counties. Dr. Ehrlich will review your medical eligibility to determine if you are a candidate for a weight loss procedure. If you are a good candidate for surgery, Dr. Ehrlich will discuss your surgical options.

• Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND) — A “restrictive” procedure is typically the optimal choice for a low BMI candidate. Weight loss is slower but steady with banding, but the procedure can be reversed if necessary.
• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) — Gastric bypass in low BMI patients is typically reserved for patients experiencing serious weight-related health conditions.
• Gastric Sleeve — Gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass, but it is still an extremely effective solution for low BMI patients. The sleeve gastrectomy is steadily gaining popularity worldwide.

Dr. Ehrlich will play an active role in determining which procedure will be best to meet your health and weight loss needs.

Where Can You Get Low-BMI Weight Loss Surgery in Connecticut?

Dr. Timothy Ehrlich is the only surgeon in Connecticut who participated in the FDA Low BMI Trial and, therefore, has more low BMI bariatric surgery experience than any other weight loss surgeon in the region. If you are interested in learning more about low BMI weight loss surgery in Connecticut, schedule a one-on-one consultation and see if you qualify. You may also attend a free weight loss surgery seminar, where you can get all of your questions answered and meet other patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Read the story of Lisa who participated in Dr. Ehrlich’s low BMI trail. The Boscos, a married couple from Connecticut, also participated in the trail and lost over 185 combined.