Bariatric Surgery

The Weight Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center offers a comprehensive program to prepare eligible patients for bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which is known to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions. According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, bariatric surgery may be among the most effective treatments for diseases and conditions including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea

To make an appointment, please call: 774-443-3886

The Weight Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center

The UMass Memorial Weight Center provides a patient-focused bariatric surgery program designed to help adults struggling with obesity and weight-related diseases. Recognized for an ongoing commitment to safety and patient-focused care, our program has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center for weight loss surgery by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program since 2006. Our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of patients reach their weight loss goals through safe and effective bariatric surgery. This work has resulted in our program's designation as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies for delivering quality care and better overall outcomes for patients, while also meeting key requirements for cost-efficiency.  

We offer the most advanced bariatric procedures and most are done laparoscopically, without a major incision. This means less postoperative pain and a quicker return to full activities. Our minimally invasive procedures include:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy
  This is a new surgical weight loss procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving only a "tube" that greatly reduces the stomach's capacity, which helps to promote early feelings of fullness and reduces food intake.
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
  In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created and connects directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, helping patients lose weight.

Are You a Candidate for Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:

• You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight)
• You have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 AND a serious obesity-related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or severe sleep apnea. Not sure of your BMI? Use this calculator to find out. 

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.