Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery

Yale New Haven Health bariatric surgery physicians are recognized for their expertise and innovation. They are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive, bariatric surgery. In fact, they have taught laparoscopic techniques to other surgeons around the country. In addition to being recognized for their surgical skill, our bariatric surgeons are also well known for their research, uncovering new approaches to weight loss surgery.

Being overweight isn't simply a result of overeating. Contributing factors include genetics, heredity, environment, metabolic factors and eating disorders. Bariatric surgery is proven to lead to significant weight loss which can help patients improve, and sometimes cure many health conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, joint disease, infertility and sexual health and sleep apnea.

Weight-loss surgery has also been shown to reduce long-term mortality and cancer, COVID and diabetes incidences.

Successful bariatric surgery depends on a person’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle which encompasses both physical, nutritional and emotional well-being. That is why at Yale New Haven Health we focus on more than the surgical procedure and are committed to supporting patients for long-term optimal weight and health.

Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

A ratio of weight to height called Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally used to determine the degree to which a person is overweight. An individual is considered to have severe obesity at a BMI of 40, or at 35 if health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea are also present. If your BMI is in this range, you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery. Those who have tried multiple non-surgical methods to lose weight without positive results, may also qualify.