Bariatric Surgery
If you are significantly overweight and unable to keep weight off despite multiple attempts to diet and exercise, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery. Englewood Health’s experts use the latest options and techniques to help people like you lose weight and keep it off. Weight loss surgery is not just about your looks — it’s also about your health. Surgery can help prevent or reduce many of the serious health problems caused by obesity.
Our Expertise
More than 350 patients a year choose the Englewood Health bariatric program for weight loss surgery. Our program’s highlights include:
- Board-certified compassionate surgeons who perform minimally invasive weight loss surgery whenever possible
- Access to a program coordinator, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to help with your care, both before and after surgery
- Access to free informational seminars, education classes and videos before your surgery, and support groups after your surgery
- Medical weight management for those who don’t qualify for surgery, are unable to have surgery, or do not want to have surgery
- Accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, awarded by the American College of Surgeons to programs that demonstrate high standards of care
Your Next Steps
1. See if you qualify for weight loss surgery.
To qualify for weight loss surgery, you must meet one of the following criteria, established by the National Institutes of Health.
- Be 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight, or
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or
- Have a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition. Calculate your BMI now.
Other qualifying factors may include:
- History of documented, failed weight loss attempts
- Lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and medical guidelines
- Psychological evaluation
Together, you and a surgeon will determine if surgery is right for you, which type of procedure is your best option, and if you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes. You also will meet with a dietitian, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each team member will help you prepare for the exciting changes, as well as challenges, ahead.
2. Attend an information session at Englewood Hospital or watch our online patient education videos.
If you are thinking about weight loss surgery, come to one of our free informational seminars (see schedule and register now). During the seminar, we will provide information on the types of procedures and the lifestyle changes that are needed for successful weight loss surgery, including diet, exercise, and relationship changes. You will hear the benefits and risks of surgery and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
You can also watch our patient education videos online.
3. Make an appointment with one of our bariatric surgeons.
Our informational seminars are presented by one of our bariatric surgeons. You can choose to have a follow-up appointment with the presenting surgeon or are welcome to make an appointment with another one of Englewood Health’s bariatric surgeons.
At your first appointment, the surgeon will complete a medical history and, if you are eligible, will recommend the procedure that is best for you. If you want to proceed with surgery, you’ll be scheduled for further testing including blood work, X-rays, and EKG, as well as nutritional and psychological evaluations. During this preparation process, your surgery date is scheduled.