Obesity is the most prevalent epidemic in the United States of America ; 15 million people in this country (one in twenty) have a body mass index (IBM) equal or greater than 35 kg/m2.

Obesity has medical, social, psychological and economic consequences. The morbidly obese are refractory to diet, drug therapy and other forms of medical treatment, but can a chie ve a substantial sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery.

The execution of conventional bariatric surgical procedures have been related to a high incidence of complications both trans and postoperative.

Because of this, nowadays the bariatric procedure most commonly used worldwide is the laparoscopic placement of the adjustable gastric band, which besides having an effective restrictive result, requires less invasion, diminishing the operative risk and the development of complications.

In the United States of America in the year 2001 the adjustable gastric banding was approved by the FDA.

OBESITY AND ITS HEALTH RISKS

Obesity can be defined as an excess of total body fat, which results from caloric intake that exceeds the demand.

A measurement at the present time used to assess health risks of obesity is the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI) as follows: dividing body weight (lb) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying the amount by 704.5. The metric calculation is: Kg/m2.

The ideal Body Mass Index is between 19 and 25. If your BMI is between 25 and 30 you are considered to be overweight. BMI of 30 or more you are considered obese. A BMI of 40 or more is considered severe or morbid obesity.

Obesity substantially increases the risk of serious health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems. Some types of cancers (prostate, colon, breast, endometrial).