About Our Program
Am I eligible for surgery?
Eligibility requirements for weight loss (bariatric) surgery at Inova Fair Oaks
Hospital follow guidelines set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Individuals must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater or, in the presence of health risks, a BMI of 35 or greater. This translates to being at least 100 pounds overweight. The potential health risks, also called co-morbidities, include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea, among others.
Why should I have weight loss surgery?
Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions such
as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease, stroke, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis,
sleep apnea and certain cancers including endometrial, breast and colon
cancer. Weight loss surgery can help you lose excess body weight
and can help alleviate many associated health risks.
We recognize, however, that weight loss surgery is merely a tool to help our patients achieve a lifetime of improved health. Proper nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle modifications are essential to successful outcomes.
Why have my surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital?
Our multi-disciplinary team of experts perform thorough evaluations to ensure that
each patient is prepared and aware of the physical, emotional and lifestyle
changes that accompany weight loss surgery. And we follow up with the best
in support and education to assist in our patients' weight loss transition.
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and its bariatric surgeons have been designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. We have successfully completed a rigorous evaluation process to document the comprehensiveness of our program and to meet established requirements for providing safe bariatric surgical care with excellent short- and long-term outcomes.
Can you tell me more about your program and your staff?
Here are some additional ways we ensure each patient's best possible
outcome:
- Our diagnostic equipment such as CT scanners, our furnishings, including beds and wheelchairs, and even our gowns accommodate people of all sizes.
- We offer a wide range of physician specialists affiliated with Inova Fair Oaks Hospital to manage co-morbid conditions.
- Anesthesia care is provided through the Bariatric Anesthesia Team, a subgroup of Fair Oaks Anesthesia Associates, with extensive training, experience and specialized equipment to care for bariatric patients and meet their specific anesthesia needs.
Receiving emotional support and learning new behaviors are keys to success following weight loss surgery. Through support groups and one-on-one counseling, our team of bariatric specialists, consisting of nurses, dietitians, and educators provides follow up and additional support to our patients.
For more information, please call our information line at 703-391-3783.
