Bariatric Surgery
Our team focuses on your long-term success to achieve health by combating obesity through weight loss surgery. Our commitment to excellence before, during and after surgery has earned our program national recognition.
Medically reviewed by Victoria Lyo, M.D. on Dec. 18, 2023.
Nationally Recognized Bariatric Surgery Program
If you have obesity and need help losing weight or treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, bariatric surgery may be right for you. Surgical options help improve your metabolism while also helping you lose weight.
At UC Davis Health, you receive exceptional care and ongoing support that helps put your goals within reach. Experienced surgeons with special training in bariatric surgery will guide your care with our team of dieticians, nurse navigators, and psychologists.
We maintain a “comprehensive center” designation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious recognition signifies our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality bariatric surgery and support.
On this page
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are many types of bariatric surgery. Each has unique risks and benefits. Our team takes time to explain your options and help you make the right choice for your needs and preferences.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Bariatric surgeons divide the stomach to create a small pouch that connects to a point part-way through your small intestine. It allows food to bypass part of your digestive system so you absorb fewer calories and eat less at a time. This also alters your metabolism, hunger sensations, and treats obesity-associated diseases.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Your stomach is divided and fashioned into a narrow, tubular shape. The surgery makes it so you can eat less at a time, while also altering your metabolism and hunger sensations, and treats obesity-associated diseases.
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Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is part of our comprehensive approach to helping you safely lose excess weight and keep it off. We help you make lifestyle changes that allow you to get the most out of your procedure. You also receive ongoing post-surgical support that gives you the best chances for long-term success.
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Before Weight Loss Surgery
To qualify for surgery, you have to meet criteria for obesity, which is a body mass index (BMI) above 30 or 35 kg/m2. You also must have tried other weight loss methods. We give you helpful tips for adopting lifestyle changes that help you maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle after surgery.
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During Surgery
We often use laparoscopic techniques to carry out bariatric surgery. They involve small incisions, a camera, and long, thin instruments so that you have less pain and can recover quickly.
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After Weight Loss Surgery
Following surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for one night. We keep a careful watch over your recovery and explain important home care tasks as you prepare for discharge.
Home Care and Follow-Up
Bariatric surgery does not mark the end of our support for your health goals. We provide long-term support that helps you make a full recovery, adopt healthy habits and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Recovering at Home
After discharge, it’s essential to take it easy and gradually return to daily activities. We are here for you if you have questions or experience complications like a fever or difficulty keeping food down.
Maintenance Visits
You meet with our team regularly to discuss your weight loss progress and any challenges you are experiencing. We give you encouragement and helpful tips that keep your weight loss journey on track.
Annual Check-In
One year after your procedure, your maintenance appointments shift to annual visits. But if you need help between visits, we are available to see you or discuss concerns over the phone.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.