Obesity is one of America's most serious epidemics. Over two-thirds of U.S. citizens are overweight; a frightening statistic that continues to increase. Of even greater concern, over 23 million Americans are morbidly obese, which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds. One-third of these, a population equal to that of North Carolina, attain BMI's greater than 40, a level often considered superobese. Those afflicted by these severe forms of obesity are not only burdened by their bulk, they are also confronted with life-threatening co-morbidities including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary compromise.

Surgery is the only effective therapy for morbid obesity and its complications. A variety of surgical procedures can now offer not only durable and safe control of weight but also provide previously unimaginable full remission of many of the co-morbidities, including diabetes, asthma, cardiopulmonary failure, infertility and stress incontinence. After surgery, patients who were once disabled and wheelchair bound can be returned to full activity. Hypertension can be cut in half. These outcomes are being achieved at the Centers for which we have data, with preliminary data indicating mortality rates of less than one percent and complication rates of about six percent.

Bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging undertaking. Many of the patients present sharply increased surgical risks. Psychosocial challenges and the uncontrolled complications of morbid obesity require highly competent and compassionate support. Furniture, hospital equipment, instruments and imaging resources must be suitable to deal with massive patients who often exceed their ideal body weight by 100 pounds. Especially important is a well-trained staff, capable of dealing with the physical and emotional demands of the morbidly obese.

Faced with these issues, the leadership of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) identified the need to recognize the centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals reach optimal levels of performance. SRC was formed as an independent, non-profit corporation and charged with implementing and administering the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence® program.

The objective of SRC is not to limit bariatric surgery to a few, well-known centers. There are far too many patients in need for such an approach and, further, some of the best reported results are now achieved in community practices. Outcomes are paramount. Poor results are unacceptable; everyone from the patients to the surgeons to the payors lose.