Welcome. If you are new to Alta Bates Summit’s bariatric surgery program, here’s everything you need to know to get started on your weight loss journey.

Our full-service bariatric care program offers the tools and support you need to successfully lose weight and keep it off. All pre- and post-surgery appointments are conveniently scheduled at our Oakland office.

We’re honored to be a Comprehensive Center, recognized after rigorous review by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

How to Get Started

Pre-Surgery Approval Process

Once your physician refers you to our program, we begin to help you prepare for surgery. The process can take several months, depending on your insurance and medical conditions. We want you to succeed, so our team walks you through every one of these steps:

• Attend an introductory seminar. These are held at least once a month at locations throughout the East Bay. Register online or call (510) 869-8972. Once you register you’ll receive forms to complete and return at the seminar.
• Attend the nutrition and exercise class. We will invite you to sign up for this class once you complete paperwork from the introductory seminar.
• Attend at least one support group to get the perspective of those who have gone before you.
• Your physician will provide us with your recent (last three  months) history and physical, mammogram/Pap smear or fecal occult blood testing, as indicated.
• First surgeon visit. You will have an interview with and examination by one of our surgeons.
• Preliminary approval. If you meet the criteria for bariatric intervention and want to proceed, we begin our evaluation process. That includes a dietary consultation, psychological evaluation, ultrasound of the gallbladder, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and other pertinent medical tests. We also consult with a pulmonologist and a cardiologist and may ask you to undergo sleep studies.
• Second surgeon visit. Upon completion of the medical work-up, you return for a second visit with the surgeon and staff to discuss progress toward surgery.
• Surgery scheduling. If the surgery is to proceed, we schedule it pending insurance approval.
• Primary care physician communication, throughout. We maintain close contact with your physician as you progress through the evaluation process.

Support Groups

Having bariatric surgery does not by itself guarantee successful weight loss. Surgery is one of many tools to help you achieve your goals. Key factors for success include: following the proper diet, exercise, proper use of nutritional supplements, and the ongoing support of those who share this experience with you.

Our support groups give you a sense of community and provide you with information and encouragement during this life-altering time.

Attending at least one support group before surgery is required so you can get the perspective of those who have gone before you. Come to the support groups prepared to ask questions. After surgery, we strongly encourage you to attend at least one group monthly.

We offer support groups throughout the East Bay. View our current schedule and location information. For more information, please call (510) 869-8972.

Patient Resources

Our staff is happy to help you find the resources you need. We also offer free weigh-ins on our bariatric scale. Please call to let us know you are coming.