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Weight Loss Management

Surgical Weight Loss Options

Bariatric surgery procedures are an option for patients who have not had long-term success with diets and other non-surgical weight loss approaches. The bariatric surgery team at University Hospitals uses the latest surgical advancements to help patients experience safe and successful weight loss, in order to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.

We offer individualized support for patients, including lifetime nutrition counseling before and after weight loss surgery. Many of our team members have had weight loss surgery themselves so they understand the journey and know how to help patients achieve long-term success.

Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

In general, eligibility for any given weight loss program will be determined by your body mass index (BMI), how much weight you want to lose, and whether you prefer a non-surgical or surgical option.

To qualify for bariatric weight loss surgery, patients must meet one of the following criteria:

  • BMI of 40 or higher (about 100 pounds overweight)
  • BMI of 35-39.9 and at least one weight-related medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.

People with a BMI over 75 may not qualify for weight loss surgery immediately because of a higher risk of complications. Our team may recommend approaching your weight loss goals with a phased approach.

Nationally Recognized Care at Four Convenient Locations

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The surgical weight loss programs at University Hospitals are accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program. This designation reflects our commitment to patient comfort and safety, while following recommended guidelines to reduce the risk of complications such as bleeding and infections.

Accredited surgical weight loss care is available at four convenient locations, including:

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

We offer several types of surgical weight loss procedures, including minimally invasive, non-invasive and endoscopic options. Treatment options may include:

Endoscopic Weight Loss Procedures

To bridge the gap between non-surgical and surgical weight loss options, University Hospitals offers several endoscopic procedures that can help patients lose up to 20 percent of their body weight. To qualify for endoscopic weight loss procedures, patients must have a BMI greater than 30.

Endoscopic procedures are performed using an endoscope – a flexible tube with a camera and light attached – that’s inserted into the mouth and doesn’t typically require any incisions. Endoscopic weight loss procedures offer faster recovery times, less pain and fewer complications than traditional surgical methods.

Endoscopic options may include:


Bariatric Surgery Options

Patients who are eligible for traditional weight loss surgery may undergo one of the following procedures based on their medical history and personal preferences:

Our weight loss surgery patients are typically up walking and able to start sipping on water three hours after surgery. Most are ready to go home after one or two nights, depending on the type of surgery.

University Hospitals has been recognized with a 2023-2024 WebMD Patient Choice Award for excellence in Gastric Bypass
University Hospitals has been recognized with a 2023-2024 WebMD Patient Choice Award for excellence in Gastroenterology
University Hospitals has been recognized with a 2023-2024 Medscape Provider Choice Award for excellence in Gastroenterology
University Hospitals has been recognized with a 2023-2024 Medscape Provider Choice Award for excellence in Gastroenterology

University Hospitals has been recognized with 2023-2024 WebMD Choice Awards for excellence in Gastric Bypass and Gastroenterology. The award is the only health system recognition program based solely on the preferences of patients and providers at the local and state level.