Bariatric surgery

Individuals with a body mass index of 35kg/m2 and a weight related condition (diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure) or 40kg/m2 or greater are eligible for bariatric surgery.

Individuals who do not meet the BMI criteria are typically not candidates for bariatric surgery. Someone with complex medical and surgical needs may meet the BMI criteria but after meeting with a surgeon, it can be determine that the individual risk is greater than the potential benefit of the surgery. These situations are rare and are discussed individually with your care team.

Some insurances require weight loss prior to surgery in order for the operation to be covered. However, research has found losing weight before surgery is typically not beneficial enough to require it. Unless your clinician specifically discusses weight loss as a method to reduce your individual surgical risk or your insurance requires it, it is up to you whether you’d like to work towards weight loss before the surgery. Losing weight before can increase your total weight loss (i.e. if your expected weight loss is 50lbs, and you lose 10lbs prior to surgery, your expected total weight loss is 60lbs).

During the initial evaluation, you will meet with the surgeon, nurse/nurse practitioner and dietitian, and undergo a complete history, physical exam and nutrition assessment. You will also discuss what to expect from surgery. This entire process takes about one to two hours

You will be provided with a list of consultations and upcoming appointments that are to be completed before surgery. Our office can assist you in scheduling many of these visits if you choose to complete them at Penn Medicine.

On average, the time between your initial visit with the Penn Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery Program and surgery is four to seven months. This time frame can vary depending upon the insurance company and the rate at which medical clearances are obtained.