20+ Years of Weight Loss Surgery Experience.

What is BMI?

Your BMI is your Body Mass Index, which is a formula that is used to calculate your level of body fat. BMI scores are based upon your height to weight ratio, and is a useful tool in analyzing weight level categories.

Our BMI calculator can help us to determine if bariatric surgery is best for you.

What do your results mean?

A healthy BMI score is regarded as one that falls between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI that falls below 18.5 is considered underweight, while a BMI that falls above a 24.9 is considered overweight. A BMI that falls above 30 is considered obese.

Note: Bariatric or weight loss surgery requires BMI measurement. Other surgeries such as Gallbladder Surgery and Hiatal Hernia Repair do not have a strict BMI requirement.

What Our Patients Say

Over 160+ 5 Star Reviews and counting!

Rainy Bleu
Rainy Bleu
★★★★★
I just would like to say that he’s an amazing Doctor ! He communicates effectively, super kind, encouraging, and so much more. I recently did my procedure around December and I’m already over 20 pounds down, recovering great. I feel amazing a month later and super excited for what this journey has planned for me . Dr. Choi and his team are always on standby if I have any concerns or questions, I was even provided a huge packet with everything that I should know and do . I would definitely recommend him to anyone, he’s awesome and certainly knows what he’s doing !
Gina Johnson
Gina Johnson
★★★★★
I just had my surgery on November 30 and I have to say he did a great job. I was in pain the first day by the second third day I was fine walking around, feeling a lot better and only four days in and I lost 10 pounds. I wish I would’ve found him sooner. Dr. Choi knows what he’s doing. He is very caring and understanding even checking up on me at home I can’t wait to see what the future holds. ???
Harlley Dacosta
Harlley Dacosta
★★★★★
I high recommend Dr. Choi. He is a great doctor very professional. He made me feel very security about my decision.He is very caring he called every day to see how I was feeling.Debby is great as well she answered every question that I had it. She explained to me all the steps until the day of the surgery. I am very grateful and happy with the choice that I made by choosing Dr. Choi! God Bless you doctor. Ilana Dacosta
Tiffany Brown
Tiffany Brown
★★★★★
Dr Choi & Debbie are the best! Very quick and easy process for me personally. I had many questions and they were very patient in answering all!! Definitely would recommend 10/10 experience. I am 3 weeks post op and already loving my results.
Barbara Puente
Barbara Puente
★★★★★
I just had the gastric sleeve procedure last Monday with Dr. Choi. His professionalism was impeccable. Great bedside manners has called me every day for an entire week. Dr. Choi’s staff have answered all my questions and concerns. it has been a great relief getting my procedure done with Dr. Choi and all his staff thank you very much.
Wency Gonzalez
Wency Gonzalez
★★★★★
I can't express enough gratitude to Dr. Choi for his exceptional care and ongoing support post my gastric sleeve procedure. His dedication to communication and education throughout the process has made this the most positive experience I've had with a doctor. Thanks to his guidance, I've already lost 23 lbs within a month post-surgery, and I'm eagerly looking forward to what the future holds. Dr. Choi's commitment to providing exceptional service sets a benchmark in the medical field! Thank you Dr Choi!

Before & After

Our patients get the RESULTS they are looking for.

With over 5,000+ successful surgeries, it’s no wonder Dr. Choi is the leading bariatric surgeon in South Florida.

Featured From Our Blog

Explore expert tips, patient success stories, and the latest updates on weight loss and bariatric surgery. Stay informed and inspired!

Frequently Asked Question

What Is BMI and Its Significance to Weight Loss Surgery?

BMI (Body Mass Index) calculates your body fat to your height and weight. According to the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, the minimum amount of BMI for you to have weight loss surgery is 29 to 30.

For Dr. Choi, a BMI of 40 or above is required, or 35+ if you have obesity-related health conditions like diabetes.

Any person with any BMI at any age can have gallbladder problems, it can affect anyone, everyone.

Lap-band surgery, even for individuals with a BMI of 30 to 40 can be helpful. Studies show that patients with lower BMI can achieve a reduction in excess body weight within two years post-surgery.

Ozempic, Wegovy and Semaglutide have recently gained attention in Florida for their effectiveness in aiding weight loss. Semaglutide works by slowing the emptying of your stomach, which helps you feel full longer and reduces the urge to eat frequently. 

While gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces the stomach’s size, it is designed to help you reach a healthy weight, not an unhealthily low BMI. 

Studies show that reducing your BMI, even by a small amount, can help improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes. Weight loss through lifestyle changes, medication, or bariatric surgery has been proven to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the need for diabetes medications. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common in individuals with higher BMIs, as excess weight puts pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Over two-thirds of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese, increasing the prevalence of GERD among this population.

Yes, having an elevated BMI has been linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. Research shows that being overweight or obese can raise the risk for cancers such as breast cancer (in post-menopausal women), colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer. 

A BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator helps you quickly assess whether your weight is in a healthy range based on your height and weight. If your BMI is below 18.5, you’re considered underweight, while a BMI over 24.9 is classified as overweight. A BMI over 30 indicates obesity. Curious about your BMI? If you are in Florida, you can book a consultation with Dr. Choi for more accurate professional guidance.

Our Bariatric Surgeries

Revision Surgery

Address complications or regain control of your weight loss with personalized bariatric revision surgery options.

Weight Loss Consultation

Begin your journey with a personalized consultation where Dr. Michael Choi evaluates your needs and creates a tailored weight loss plan.

Lap Band Removal

An adjustable, reversible bariatric option that helps control portion sizes and promotes gradual weight loss.

Gastric Bypass

A proven solution for weight loss that combines stomach size reduction and digestive rerouting for long-term success.

SADI

An advanced bariatric procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass for effective weight loss.

Hiatal Hernia Repair

Relieve acid reflux and chest pain with minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair by Dr. Michael Choi.

Gastric Sleeve

Achieve significant weight loss with minimally invasive gastric sleeve surgery, reducing stomach size to limit food intake.

Gallbladder Surgery

Resolve gallbladder issues with minimally invasive surgery by Dr. Michael Choi for quick recovery and lasting relief.

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