Health Resources:

Adult BMI Calculator Rather than relying on the bathroom scale to tell you if you're overweight, BMI takes into account your weight and height to indicate body fat. The goal for most people: a BMI that's over 18 and under 25.

The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Women & Children's Hospital (WCH) is designed to assist individuals with improving their health and quality of life by using surgical intervention for weight reduction.

We are a recognized Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and our program is led by two board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Keith Chung and Dr. Richard Shimer.

An estimated 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese, a condition that substantially raises the risk of serious illness from hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, as well as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Higher body weights are also associated with an increase in early death. As the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, obesity poses a major public health challenge.

Although bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective tool in weight loss, it is important for patients to remember that the surgery is only a tool. A successful outcome is dependent on a patient’s commitment to long-term lifestyle change. You are encouraged to gather as much information on weight loss surgery by speaking with your physician, researching information on the internet and other resources or by attending a bariatric seminar and support groups. By developing your own knowledge base about this treatment method, you will be empowered to reach your goal of long-term weight loss.