Morbid obesity has become a major public health risk throughout the developed world. For the first time in recorded history, the number of overweight and underweight individuals are about the same, at 2.1 billion each.[1]

In the United States alone, more than 8 million people have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. Additionally, 15 to 23 million people have a BMI between 35 and 40.[2]

These numbers represent more than half of the population in the United States.

Obesity in children and adolescents has increased two-fold in the last decade, and approximately 300,000 Americans die every year due to obesity-related comorbidities.[3]

With these increases in incidence, obesity has a high probability of overtaking tobacco use as the leading preventable cause of mortality by 2010.[4]

Experts estimate that $45 billion is spent annually in the United States alone in treating diseases and conditions associated with the disease of obesity. Across the globe, societal costs are estimated to be at $145 billion, and annual health care costs are known to be 44% higher for patients with a BMI over 35.[5]

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, has become the treatment of choice and a necessity for a select population of well-chosen, well-informed, and highly-motivated obese individuals with serious comorbidities. 

At Bariatric Partners, we provide sound, medical surgical solutions to the obesity epidemic through partnership with leading bariatric surgeons to develop specialized bariatric surgery centers in key markets across the United States. These facilities focus primarily on providing the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure (LAGB).

Additionally, our experienced management team works with our surgeon partners in developing detailed post-surgical aftercare programs to provide on-going, long-term support and to encourage post-procedural compliance for our patients.