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Bariatric Surgery Center

Severe obesity is a complex condition with many causes, including genetics. Diet, exercise and medication often are not enough to enable people with severe obesity to lose weight and keep it off. If you struggle with this, weight-loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) may offer a road to a healthier, longer life.

The UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center is committed to delivering the highest quality care with compassion and respect. We offer a complete range of surgical weight-loss options, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, and with more than 99 percent of our patients, we're able to use a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approach. This reduces postoperative pain and complications, shortens hospital stays and allows patients to get back to normal activities sooner.

Our experienced team of bariatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, nurses, physician assistants and dietitians is equipped to handle the most challenging and complicated cases, including repairs of unsuccessful bariatric operations done at other hospitals. We're also one of the few centers that perform bariatric surgery on obese patients with end-stage kidney or liver disease who have been denied an organ transplant because of their weight.

To keep the weight off, patients must commit to lifelong dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes after surgery. To help you succeed, we offer follow-up services, such as support groups, nutritional counseling and continuing education.

To find out whether you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery, please visit Eligibility for Weight Loss Surgery. We also hold monthly information sessions, which are free and open to the public. To be invited, send a request to [email protected].

 
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Our Outcomes

After bariatric surgery at UCSF:

  • Most people lose 50 to 70 percent of their excess weight in the year following their surgery.
  • Patients lose about 75 to 125 pounds on average.
  • In 80 to 90 percent of patients, obesity-related problems, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis and high cholesterol, improve or disappear.
  • Long-term complications occur in only 1 to 3 percent of patients.
 

Our locations

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    Patient education

    Behavior Modification Ideas for Weight Management

    Weight management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and a positive attitude. Learn more here.

    Body Mass Index Chart

    Body mass index (BMI) is a number based on both your height and weight and can help determine the degree to which a person is overweight. Learn more.

    Bariatric Surgery Requirements and Evaluation

    To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must weigh less than 450 lbs. because that's the max weight that hospital X-ray equipment can accommodate. Learn more.

    Dietary Guidelines After Bariatric Surgery

    It is very important to follow the recommended dietary guidelines after undergoing bariatric surgery. Find general guidelines for fluids, protein and more here.

    Recovering From Bariatric Surgery

    Patients usually spend one to two days in the hospital following bariatric surgery. Becoming active quickly speeds recovery. Find out more.

    Life After Bariatric Surgery

    The UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center offers comprehensive follow-up care, including a support group, dietitian and education to help you achieve long-term success.

    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • MBSAQIP-Accreditation_2x

      Accredited comprehensive center for bariatric surgery

    • 150-2x

      bariatric surgeries performed each year

    • 1998-2x

      Founded in 1998

    Our work

    UCSF Bariatric Surgery Orientation
    UCSF Bariatric Surgery Orientation
    Watch on UCTVObesity in America: Diet, Drugs or Surgery?

    Obesity in America: Diet, Drugs or Surgery?

    Watch on UCTV

    Our work

    UCSF Bariatric Surgery Orientation

    Obesity in America: Diet, Drugs or Surgery?

    Support services

    Support Group

    Bariatric Surgery Support Group

    This group is open to patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery as well as those who are considering the procedure. Friends and family are welcome.

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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    Related clinics

    Weight Management Program

    1701 Divisadero St., Suite 500
    San Francisco, CA 94143

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    (888) 689-8273

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