Learn more about weight loss with bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is more than a surgical procedure — it's a life-changing decision. The benefits of weight-loss surgery extend far beyond losing pounds. It can dramatically improve a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fertility and sleep apnea.

Nationally recognized program.

Nationally accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, Sharp Memorial Hospital leads the way in minimally invasive weight-loss procedures. Our surgeries are nearly always performed with small abdominal incisions or laparoscopically, resulting in less discomfort, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.

We’re also accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons, meaning that you have peace of mind knowing Sharp Memorial provides high-quality, safe care. Our surgeries have an extremely low complication rate, and very high success with long-term weight loss.

A supportive team every step of the way.

Bariatric surgery is an important decision. So for those with a body mass index (BMI) above 35, weighing at least 80 to 100 pounds over an ideal weight — we're here to help. Our bariatric surgery program includes a variety of advanced, minimally invasive procedures with low complication rates. Highly skilled affiliated surgeons take the time to understand your story — working with you to choose your very best option. And our team of experienced professionals, including nursing, nutrition and behavioral health experts, have specialized knowledge to best support you before, during and after surgery.

Bariatric surgery options for you.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy — restricts stomach volume and the amount of food intake by removing 85 percent or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or preventing the body from fully absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. At Sharp Memorial, we perform nearly 150 vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgeries each year.

Roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass — a procedure that alters the process of digestion so you feel fuller faster. The surgery is performed through small abdominal incisions, which results in less pain and a quicker recovery. At Sharp Memorial, we perform almost 100 gastric bypass surgeries each year.

Both surgeries result in similar weight loss, and change the body’s microbiome and other hormones, resulting in decreased hunger, improved blood sugar control and increased metabolism.

Bariatric and weight-loss services.

Your weight-loss goals are our weight-loss goals. That's why our program goes beyond our advanced surgeries. We offer:

• Free bariatric surgery informational seminars
• Extensive support services to help you maintain your weight loss, such as support groups led by a licensed care social worker; and individual diet plans, which include appointments with a board-certified bariatric counselor clinical dietitian, at no cost
• Personalized and thorough weight-loss assessments
• Expert caregivers, including board-certified bariatric surgeons and specially trained certified bariatric nurses (CBN) dedicated to helping you achieve your desired results. At Sharp Memorial, more than 25 CBNs care for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery — the most at any one hospital in the nation
• Specialized care before, during and after your surgery to support your long-term success

Find a bariatric surgeon.

If your weight has become a health problem, don't struggle alone. We can help restore a stronger, healthier you.

And through our convenient Find a doctor tool, we make choosing the right bariatric surgeon easy.

Frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery for weight loss.

How much does bariatric surgery cost if I pay cash?
The average cash rate ranges from $17,000 to $22,000. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of surgery or part of the surgery.

What insurance plans do you take?
Sharp HealthCare accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Sharp Health Plan, those offered through employers, sold directly to individuals and offered by the health insurance marketplace. Our physician-referral nurses can help you find a doctor based on your insurance plan. Call them at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. You can also search for a doctor online.

How long does bariatric surgery take?
The vertical sleeve gastrectomy can take 45 minutes to an hour to perform. The roux-en-Y laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery can take 2 to 2 1/2 hours to perform.

How many days am I in the hospital following bariatric surgery?
The majority of our patients are hospitalized for one night only.

Can I exercise before and after bariatric surgery?
We encourage patients to exercise before and after surgery. During our pre-operative patient education class, which is scheduled two to three weeks before your surgery, we discuss weight limits for the first week or two after your surgery. By three weeks, individuals are able to resume all normal activities.

Is it safe to get pregnant after having bariatric surgery?
Women are often referred to our bariatric surgeons because of infertility issues. Bariatric surgery can improve the fertility of both men and women. We recommend women wait to get pregnant for one year after bariatric surgery.

What can I eat following bariatric surgery?
You will be on a progressive diet starting with clear or see-through liquids then to full or cloudy-type liquids. At two weeks, you will be allowed soft foods, then will advance to a regular diet at four weeks. You will be guided through the process by your dietitian, surgeon and nursing specialist.

You may also attend our free support groups before your surgery so you know what to expect with the lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery. At the support groups, you will have the opportunity to speak with our bariatric surgery experts and talk with patients who had bariatric surgery.

Learn more at an upcoming seminar.

We host a free virtual seminar each month, where certified bariatric specialists will help you understand the different procedures available at Sharp Memorial Hospital and answer any questions you have.