James A. Sapala M.D., F.A.C.S.

James A. Sapala

Morbid Obesity is a condition in which a patient has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, which is generally 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight. The disease carries serious medical, psychological, and social ramifications. The severity of morbid obesity is related to the development of serious comorbidities which include: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, stroke, respiratory problems, blood clots, heart attack and heart disease to name a few. According to the National Institutes of Health, the only effective, long-term solution for morbid obesity is weight loss surgery.

Dr. James A. Sapala is Chief of the Division of Bariatrics Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also an active member of the American Society for Metabolics Bariatrics Surgery (ASMBS). In 30 years, he has performed more than 5,000 bariatric operations. Dr. Sapala collaborated with his father M. Andrew Sapala, M.D. and Michael Wood, M.D. to develop the Sapala-Wood Micropouch® gastric bypass. It is the only patented bariatric operation in the United States.