About Bariatric Centers

When a person has a body mass index of 40 or higher, often times they are referred to a bariatric center. Bariatric centers will provide the tools necessary for weight loss. This guide will provide an overview of bariatric centers and how they can help patients lose weight and keep it off.

Bariatric centers are located all over the United States. The overall goal of the centers is to help patients lose weight and teach healthy living habits for life. The centers provide pre-operation services to post-operation service which include the following:

• An initial consultation evaluation to determine if surgery is the right choice for the patient




• Offer non-surgical treatment for weight loss




• Help file an insurance claim or help patients set up payment options to pay for surgery




• Consultations with psychologists before and after the surgery




• Determine if gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery is needed




• Provide after care follow-up appointments




• Provide after care support groups




• Lay out a healthy eating for life plan with a dietician




• Provide follow-up visits with a physical therapist to provide an exercise for life plan




• Perform as needed surgeries for removal of bands from surgery

Often times after bariatric surgery, patients decrease mortality rates and eliminate medical conditions that were once present due to obesity. However, there is always a risk for complications with any kind of surgery. The largest percentage of complications includes diarrhea, pneumonia or infections after the surgery.