Bariatric Surgery

The benefits of achieving a healthy weight with bariatric surgery are significant, and can include:

• Effectively treating Type 2 diabetes, with many patients no longer requiring medication
• Improvement or disappearance of acid reflux symptoms
• Improved quality of life after surgery
• Increased energy levels, endurance and ability to enjoy physical activities
• Marked improvement in obstructive sleep apnea or respiratory problems
• Resolution of skin problems related to obesity
• Significant decrease in the risk of heart disease and improved blood pressure
• Significant improvement in back and joint pain

Bariatric surgery may be an option if you:

• Are between ages 18–65, though we’ll consider patients over age 65 on a case-by-case basis
• Have a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 plus two obesity-related medical conditions
• Have been unsuccessful at losing weight through other methods

Research shows that minimally invasive surgeries lead to less pain, more minor scars, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to daily activities and work than open surgeries with larger incisions. However, not everyone qualifies for minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon will collaborate with you to determine the best surgical approach based on your body and medical needs.

We recommended waiting 1–2 years after surgery before trying to get pregnant, and some may need to wait longer depending on any nutritional concerns. When the time is right, nutritional counseling will help ensure you and your baby get the best possible care.

Most healthcare plans cover weight loss surgery if you meet specific requirements, but coverage for different parts of the program varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before scheduling a consultation with a surgeon. Medicare has stricter coverage rules, and Medi-Cal only covers surgery in specific counties, so it's important to verify what’s included if you have Medicare or Medi-Cal.

Loose skin on the face, neck, arms and legs is common after weight loss. You can choose to remove it with cosmetic surgery, but most health plans won’t cover these surgeries unless you can prove they’re needed for issues like recurring skin infections. The amount of excess skin, particularly in the abdominal area, depends on several factors.

• Age: Younger patients often have better skin elasticity compared to older patients.
• Exercise: Patients who follow an intense abdominal exercise routine may notice less excess skin due to muscle toning.
• Genetics: Some individuals are genetically more prone to loose skin.
• Weight loss amount: The more weight you’ve lost, the more excess skin you may have.

Bariatric surgery alone doesn't guarantee weight loss success. It's just one tool among many. Alta Bates Summit’s Bariatric Surgery program in Oakland provides the necessary cares and support for long-term weight loss. Recognized as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, we help you prepare for bariatric surgery. Support groups are an essential part of the program, offering community, guidance and encouragement. Attending one support group before surgery is required, and regular participation afterward is highly recommended.

For more information about Alta Bates Summit’s Bariatric Surgery program, please call 510- 869-8972.

Our comprehensive bariatric surgery programs in Napa and Sonoma are proven to achieve lasting weight loss for those with morbid obesity. Our minimally invasive surgeries come with personalized support, including nutritional, emotional and exercise guidance. After surgery, we offer long-term follow-up, support groups, and programs like cooking classes. We're accredited for excellence by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network and recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Talk with your care team about participating in this program and attending a free information session.

Sutter Pacific’s Bariatric program, led by Dr. Gregg Jossart in San Francisco and Marin, provides comprehensive care and long-term support for weight loss. With over 20 years of experience and more than 2,700 successful patients, Dr. Jossart focuses on a strong doctor-patient relationship, ensuring you fully understand your options.

He offers all four major weight loss procedures: duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding, using minimally invasive techniques for better results and less discomfort. The program and CPMC are nationally recognized, holding honors from Healthgrades, accreditation from the ASMBS, and Center of Excellence status with top insurance providers.

Talk with your care team to learn more about Sutter Pacific’s Bariatric program.