Morbid or severe obesity is a chronic condition that diet and exercise often fail to control. For these patients, particularly those who serious obesity-related health problems, bariatric surgery may be a great option. At UCSF, the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program is led by a team of experienced surgeons and gastroenterology faculty. The program is supported by an outstanding multidisciplinary group of medical professionals including psychiatrists, physician assistants, dietitians, nurse practitioners, and nurses.
The vast number of our weight-loss surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to a reduction in post-operative pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activity. Our center is one of the few in the country that offers bariatric procedures to obese patients with end-stage kidney or liver disease, who would otherwise be excluded from an organ transplant because of weight. Procedures also are offered to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Jonathan Carter, a gastrointestinal surgeon at UCSF Medical Center, discusses why Americans are increasingly obese and explores diets, medicines and surgical responses to this disease. Series: "UCSF Osher Mini Medical School for the Public"