Bariatric Surgery Programs

For the right candidates, bariatric (weight loss) surgery can be life-changing. But surgery is just one step on the path to successful, long-term weight loss. Bariatric surgery teams in the Sutter Health network offer the latest in minimally invasive procedures. We also provide comprehensive support before, during and after surgery to ensure you have the best outcome.

African-American doctor weighing overweight woman

Featured Services

Losing Weight With Surgical Help

Bariatric surgery can dramatically improve your health. It can help reduce the severity of many serious health conditions related to obesity, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and back and joint problems. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends bariatric surgery as a treatment for morbidly obese people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Yet from pre-surgery preparation to lifelong care after surgery, your success will require a significant lifestyle change. It also requires a strong network of people who understand the challenges involved.

The bariatric surgery programs in the Sutter Health network are designed to support you at every step of your weight loss journey. We offer:

All the information you need to make the right decision about surgery.
Guidance in pre-surgery preparation.
Assistance in learning about your health plan coverage.
Support in the crucial phase immediately after surgery.
Support groups and medical monitoring in your lifelong adjustment to a new way of eating after surgery.

Our experienced surgical teams offer the latest in minimally invasive weight loss procedures. The most commonly performed and the gold standard in weight loss surgery, Roux-en-Y, involves decreasing the size of your stomach and bypassing some of your small intestine. Other options include laparoscopic adjustable band (lap band) surgery, adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (also called gastric sleeve) and gastric balloon insertion. Your weight loss team will help you choose the best procedure to meet your individual health needs.

Our bariatric surgery programs meet high standards for clinical quality. Highlights of our programs include:

Seven Comprehensive Center hospitals, designated by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Teams of bariatric experts, including surgeons with specialized training and years of experience working with severely overweight patients.
Thorough expertise in treating obesity as a medical condition, its physical and psychological challenges, as well at associated disease risks.

Helpful Resources:

Options for Weight Loss Surgery (PDF)

BMI Calculator

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases.

Calculate Your BMI

Health and Wellness

Weight Loss Surgery Basics

Obese African-American man with family in the background

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about qualifying for bariatric surgery, weight loss after surgery, dieting, exercise and more.

Financial Considerations for Bariatric Surgery

Here’s what you need to know about health insurance coverage for bariatric surgery.

Overweight woman in discussion with doctor

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Use this guide to learn about the weight loss surgery process, from pre-surgery diets to post-surgery support.

Patient Stories

Father-Daughter Weight Loss Success

See how Scott Tavalero and his daughter Elizabeth supported each other through bariatric surgery at the SMF Weight Management Program.

Bariatric Surgery Gave Her a New Outlook on Life

Kristy Walker was overweight and miserable until she made a decision that completely changed her life.

Weight Loss Surgery – A Chance for Change

With her gastric sleeve weight loss procedure and her commitment to lifelong change, Leah’s been able to share her journey.

Early Bariatric Surgery Helps Patient Thrive in Life

In her early 20s, Kristy was already exhausted from trying every diet. She knew bariatric surgery was for her. Now, she couldn't feel better.

Patient Credits Bariatric Surgery with Helping Him Get Healthy

Don shares how the SMF Weight Management Programs ongoing support following bariatric surgery helped him go from 500 to 375 pounds.

View All Stories

Obesity Research

More than a third of Americans are obese, which puts them at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. Obesity is also a cause of rising health costs in the U.S. Obesity means a person has 20 percent more body fat than what is healthy — a body mass index of 30 or more. Research into prevention and treatment is critical to improving the health of the nation.

Sutter Health Obesity Research Sutter Health Obesity Research