Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery

At UMass Memorial Health, we understand that losing weight may require lifestyle changes, ongoing support and surgical expertise. We offer all these services and more at the Weight Center, located at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Our experienced surgeons perform advanced bariatric procedures. A dedicated team of experts provides the compassionate and personalized care you need to lose weight successfully.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss surgery changes the size of your stomach and how food travels through your small intestine. As a result, your stomach may hold less food, and your body may absorb fewer calories. 

These changes can affect your:

• Appetite (hunger)
• Metabolism (how quickly you burn calories)
• Satiety (feeling of fullness)

Bariatric procedures may also affect the hormones associated with weight gain and loss, making it easier to lose weight. But the success of bariatric surgery also depends on lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise.

Who Can Get Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery requires a commitment to behavior modification, healthy diet choices and consistent exercise. To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, you also need to have:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight) OR
• BMI between 25 and 39.9 AND a serious obesity-related health problem

Not sure of your BMI? Use this BMI calculator.

Conditions We Treat With Bariatric Surgery

We use weight loss surgery as an effective treatment for many conditions, including:

• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) - formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Obesity
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes

Leaders in Bariatric Surgery

The Weight Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is an accredited Comprehensive Center for Weight Loss Surgery. We’ve maintained this accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program since 2006. Our bariatric program is also a designated Blue Distinction Center+ by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. We are recognized for delivering high-quality, cost-efficient care and better overall patient outcomes.

Weight Loss Services We Offer

Our comprehensive weight loss care helps adults dealing with obesity and weight-related diseases. Our services include:

Advanced Bariatric Procedures

We perform most weight loss surgeries through a small incision, which means less pain and a quicker recovery. Our minimally invasive procedures include:

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the lower part of the small intestine. The food you eat bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper part of your intestine. This smaller stomach holds less food, and rerouting the digestive tract reduces the calories you absorb.
• Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy): The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach during this procedure. The remaining tube-shaped stomach holds less food and promotes early feelings of fullness.

Full Spectrum of Weight Loss Care 

Your weight loss journey involves support beyond surgery. Our program also provides services focused on:

• Behavioral health: You meet with behavioral health experts to identify any mental health concerns that may interfere with your progress. We help you modify any behaviors that may contribute to weight gain.
• Exercise: You work with a clinical exercise physiologist to develop an exercise program and plan that keeps you healthy and fits your lifestyle.
• Nutrition: Our team of registered dietitians works with you before and after surgery to modify your diet and prepare you for your new lifestyle.