Bariatric Surgery at UPMC in Central Pa.

The surgeons at UPMC in Central Pa. are experts at performing a wide range of bariatric surgical options, including advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion. 

Studies have shown that weight loss surgery is currently the only effective method of long-term weight loss in the morbidly obese population.

The benefits of weight loss surgery include weight loss, improved quality of life and the resolution or improvement of certain medical problems related to obesity.

Am I A Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you are:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Morbidly obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or BMI greater than 35 with qualifying comorbid conditions.
• Struggling with an obesity-related condition like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or sleep apnea
• Have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through other means such as diet and exercise
• Psychologically ready for weight loss surgery.
• Not drug or alcohol dependent
• Check with your insurance company for bariatric coverage

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

The following statistics demonstrate the effect gastric bypass surgery has for patients one year after surgery.

• Asthma. 82 percent improved or resolved
• Cardiovascular disease. 82 percent risk reduction
• Degenerative joint disease. 41 to 76 percent resolved
• Depression. 55 percent resolved
• Dyslipidemia Hypercholesterolemia. 63 percent resolved
• GERD. 72 to 98 percent resolved
• Gout. 77 percent resolved
• Hypertension. 52 to 92 percent resolved
• Metabolic syndrome. 80 percent resolved
• Migraines. 57 percent resolved
• Mortality. 89 percent reduction in 5-year mortality
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 90 percent improved steatosis
• Inflammation. 37 percent resolution
• Fibrosis. 20 percent resolution
• Obstructive sleep apnea. 74 to 98 percent resolved
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome. 79 percent resolution of hirsutism
• Menstrual dysfunction. 100 percent resolution
• Pseudotumor cerebri. 96 percent resolved
• Quality of life improvement. 95 percent of patients
• Stress urinary incontinence. 44 to 88 percent resolved
• Type II diabetes mellitus. 83 percent resolved
• Venous stasis disease. 95 percent resolved

Need more information?

New Patient Inquiries

Nutrition and Dietary Questions

Existing patient? Find your office's contact information.