BMI calculations might seem like some esoteric and complicated process that you have no hope of figuring out. That’s not true. BMI isn’t magic or some scientific secret withheld by those in the know. If you’ve ever used a BMI calculator online, then you know that you put in your height and weight, and it cranks out special number. There’s always a chart handy, or the website interprets it for you, and tells you whether you’re underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese, all based on this single number. The website did the calculations for you, but you might be wondering just how it arrived at that number. BMI calculations are fairly simple once you understand the basic formula. But first, let’s look at what BMI is and what BMI calculations are used for in the first place.

BMI is the measure of body mass. By comparing your weight and height, specifically dividing your weight by your height, squared, the BMI calculations give us a single number. Depending on where that number falls on a special scale, it tells you if you’re underweight for your height, in the normal range, overweight, or obese.

BMI doesn’t measure body fat, however, so often the number is wrong when it comes to athletes or very muscular people. Muscle weighs more than fat, so for them, BMI isn’t an accurate measure at all. For most people, though, it’s a very good estimate of weight in relation to height. So what BMI calculations allow us to arrive at that magic BMI number?

BMI calculations may seem complicated, but they’re really not. At its most basic, the formula is kg/m2. Or your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters, squared (your height in meters times itself). A person who’s five-and-a-half-feet tall stands about 1.7 meters. Square that number (1.7 times 1.7) and you come up with 2.89. A person who weighs 150 pounds weights about 68 kilograms. So the BMI calculations to determine this person’s BMI would be 68 divided by 2.89. The result of that is about 23.5.

A BMI of 18.5 or below indicates that an individual is underweight. The normal weight range is from 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight people will calculate a BMI of 25 to 29.9. A BMI of 30 or greater indicates obesity. So a person with a BMI of 23.5 is within his or her normal weight range, according to the BMI calculations.

If you don’t want to convert feet and pounds to meters and kilograms, then you can use one of the other BMI calculations to figure your number. This person’s new formula would be weight in pounds, 150, times 4.88, or 732, divided by height in feet squared (5.5 times 5.5) which is 30.25. Then divide weight by height squared (732 divided by 30.25) and the result is 24.1, very similar to the metric formula’s result. BMI calculations can also be done by taking weight in pounds times 703, and dividing by height in inches, squared.

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For many morbidly obese people who are facing serious health issues related to their obesity, gastric bypass may be the answer to losing weight and getting healthy. It’s not a quick fix or a ‘lazy persons’ way out, it’s a procedure that can help someone lose a lot of weight more quickly than they could with traditional diet and exercise alone. This quick weight loss is the key since the sooner the weight comes off the more quickly a persons health can improve. While everyone is different and results will be different from one person to the next, here are some gastric bypass statistics that you can consider.

The basic concept behind the surgery is pretty simple: close off a portion of the stomach so a person can’t eat as much food all at once. Eating less food, and taking in fewer calories, will make it possible for someone to lose weight at a significant pace. Since this method emphasizes proper nutrition and lifestyle changes the rapid weight loss doesn’t have the unhealthy aspects that many other rapid forms of weight loss have.

The most important thing to think about is how would you define whether or not the procedure was a success? Would you define it based on a certain amount of weight you lost or would you define it based on whether or not you kept that weight off? Some will define the success or failure of the procedure based solely on achieving, and maintaining, a normal Body Mass Index for over five years after the procedure. Knowing what your expectation are and making sure they are realistic is a very important step for you to take prior to making a final decision on whether or not you are going to undergo the procedure.

For those people who are classified as morbidly obese, having a Body Mass Index of between 30% and 49%, the success rate has been shown to be as high at 93%.

A new category, Super Obese, has been coined and that indicates anyone with a Body Mass Index of above 50%, for those people the success rate actually goes down somewhat to about 57%. ( though it should be noted that for many this simply means that they didn’t get or maintain a normal Body Mass Index for five years or more. That doesn’t mean that they didn’t make dramatic improvements to their overall health).

Many studies have shown that patients who undergo the procedure, and make the required lifestyle changes, will reduce their other obesity related health issues such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

With the very real, and life threatening, health issues associated with being obese, it’s imperative that anyone who is overweight take significant steps to lose weight and improve their mobility. Eating less and moving more can have a huge impact on your health, your appearance, and your overall sense of well being. For some people, surgery will provide them with the best chance of a positive result. While the actual results can vary dramatically from one person to another, the actual gastric bypass statistics tend to show that for many people who are seriously overweight, this surgery can help them achieve the normal Body Mass Index that is at the heart of having a healthy body.

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Do you want to lose weight? Have you found that diet and exercise simply just arent enough? If so, you may turn to surgical procedures. These surgeries fall into the category of bariatric surgeries. You do have many options, but the LapBand system is one of the most popular.

As you know, not all individuals are the same. That is why the LapBand, as much as it comes highly rated and recommended, is not for everyone. Your doctor will help you determine if the LapBand surgery is your best course of action. However, before you schedule a consultation appointment, you may wonder if the LapBand surgery is right for you. To determine if so, closely examining requirements.

Before highlighting a few LapBand surgery requirements, it is important to make note of variances. Thousands of surgeons in the United States perform the LapBand surgery. Although each of these surgeons operate under strict guidelines, many have their own restrictions. A few exceptions to the common eligibility requirements, which are outlined below, may be found on a case-by-case basis.

Weight. On average, it is recommended that patients are 100 pounds overweight. This translates into a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), this also translates into severe or morbid obesity.

Minor weight related complications. As previously stated, obesity can lead to other health complications. Two examples are diabetes and asthma. When weight loss is achieved, patients suffering from these conditions often see their symptoms disappear. In these instances, a slight adjustment may be made to the above mentioned weight criteria. For example, those who are only 85 pounds overweight, but suffer from diabetes are still ideal candidates for the LapBand system.

Age. Most surgeons operate on criteria that recommends a patient be between the ages of 18 and 60. Those who are young and healthy are able to recovery and experience less compilations from the LapBand surgery. The minimum age of 18 is often selected due to choice. Unless a young child is in danger due to severe obesity, most professionals wait until the child turns 18 and is able to legally make their own health decisions.

Failure of other weight loss alternatives. Many surgeons in the United States perform the LapBand surgery, although most only use it as a last resort. For that reason, it is suggested you try other methods of weight loss. Your doctor may develop a healthy eating and exercise plan for you. If you are unable to see success, LapBand may be next best course of action.

Long running obesity problem. It is not uncommon for a persons weight for balloon from time to time. Depression and lifestyle changes can attribute to a weight gain. You are a better candidate for LapBand surgery if you have been obese for five or more years, as opposed to one year.

Family history of obesity. A family history of obesity does not necessarily guarantee that descendants will be overweight, but it increases the risk. If you have a family history of obesity and have been plagued with it for years, the LapBand surgery may be your best option.

No health complications. Health related complications impact ones eligibility for the LapBand surgery on a number of different levels. For starters, some health complications make individuals ideal candidates for surgery. This is common in the case of diabetes. With weight loss, diabetes disappear, making surgery well worth the risk. On the other hand, those suffering from cancer and women who are pregnant or expected to become pregnant are advised against undergoing the LapBand procedure.

Understanding. Ideal candidates for the LapBand system are between the ages of 18 and 60 and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. With that said, these qualifications do not automatically make one eligible for the procedure. A clear understanding and commitment is required. The LapBand surgery itself is not what results in weight loss. Surgery combined with dietary changes results in weight loss. If you are unable to restrict your diet, the surgery is not right for you.

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The LapBand surgery is a successful and minimally invasive procedure that is rapidly increasing in popularity in the United States. With the LapBand procedure, hospitalization is often less than 24 hours, the band is adjustable, and the procedure is 100% reversible.

If you are severely or morbidly obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, if you are between the ages of 18 and 60, and if you have the desire to improve your health, you are the perfect candidate for the LapBand. So, what is next? Find the perfect surgeon.

So, how can find qualified LapBand surgeons?

Medical referrals. If you suffer from obesity, you may have regular checkups with your primary care physician. Mention the LapBand system. Chances are your doctor will agree with your decision to learn more. The next step is to refer you to a qualified LapBand surgeon. Medical referrals are ideal. Your primary care physician has your best interest in mind, meaning they will not refer you to just anyone.

Recommendations from friends and family. As previously stated, the LapBand system is increasing in popularity in the United States. This means that you may know someone who has undergone the procedure. If so, ask for advice. Not only can you learn a lot about the procedure, such as preparation and recovery, but you can also get a personal referral. What surgeon performed their surgery? Were they pleased with the results?

Phone book. Your local phone book is an easy way to find a local LapBand surgeon. By opting for a local surgeon, you can save money on travel time expenses. Turn to the yellow pages of your phone book. Under the heading of surgeons, or physicians, you should find the contact information needed. Unless you find listings specifically outlining the LapBand, contact all surgeons in the area.

Online business directories. If you reside in a small city or town, your local phone book may not produce results. In that instance, turn to the internet, namely online business directories. Online business directories allow you to search for a business based on location, such as a LapBand surgeon in Los Angeles, California. To maximize your search results, eliminate the phrase LapBand and search for a surgeon.

Recommendations online. What is nice about using an online business directory is that most enable ratings and reviews. Use this to your advantage. After all, you are paying up to $20,000 for the LapBand system, so get quality results. Look for surgeons with high ratings. Online messages boards discussing the subject may also contain referrals and personal recommendations.

Standard internet search. In keeping with using the internet, perform a standard internet search. You can do so on Google or Yahoo. Your internet search phrase should include your location and the phrase LapBand. Your results should lead to the online websites of weight loss surgeons in or around the surrounding area. You may also be directed to bariatric surgeon directories, but you will still be provided with the appropriate contact information.

By taking the above mentioned steps, you should be able to find a surgeon who can perform the LapBand procedure. With that said, you need to do more than just find a surgeon. Schedule a consultation appointment. Use this as the opportunity to find a quality surgeon that meets and exceeds your expectations.

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