Mills-Peninsula's weight loss surgery program meets high standards for clinical quality, and our hospital is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, as designated by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our surgeons offer laparoscopic adjustable band (lap band) surgery, Roux-en-Y surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (also called gastric sleeve) and Stomaphyx procedures.

When considering bariatric surgery, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Our weight loss team has compiled answers to the questions we’re asked the most as a way to help you navigate this process. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (650) 696-5268.

Am I Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

The Mills-Peninsula bariatric surgery program may be an option if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. (Patients older than 65 may be considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 with two obesity-related medical conditions.
• Have not been successful at losing weight through other methods.

There is no maximum weight limit for bariatric surgery. The decision to have any surgery procedure must be made in consultation with a qualified surgeon, after careful consideration of the potential benefits, risks and lifelong consequences. Your weight loss team can help you choose the best procedure to meet your individual health needs.

Why Choose Mills-Peninsula?

Our weight loss specialists believe that long-term success following your procedure depends on making positive lifestyle changes through diet and exercise. As a comprehensive healthcare organization, Mills-Peninsula brings together all the services and support you need to make your surgery a lasting success. Highlights of our program include:

• A reputation as a trusted provider of quality care. We have  ranked in the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation for four years in a row, and our bariatric surgery program has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
• Our $630 million acute care hospital incorporates the latest technologies and most advanced equipment available. The 241-bed medical center features all private rooms – each with family sleeping accommodations – and 100 percent fresh air throughout the building. 
• We are conveniently located near the San Francisco International Airport, with access to discounted hotel accommodations for program participants and their families.

Will My Insurance Cover Surgery?

Bariatric surgery procedures are not cosmetic and are covered by most healthcare plans if certain requirements are met. For example, you must be able to document that you have seriously tried to lose weight multiple times through conventional methods without lasting results. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company prior to making a consultation appointment. Insurance coverage for individual program components often depend on your individual health plan.

We can only accept Medicare patients for evaluation who are referred by their physician. We do not accept MediCal for bariatric surgery.

How Do I Get Started?

Call Mills-Peninsula’s nurse specialist and program director at 1 (800) 559-9960 for a preliminary telephone consultation or for information about our support group meetings.

Support group meetings are held the first Saturday of each month, excluding holiday weekends. Pre-operative patients are encouraged to attend. Agenda and location information are available by the calling the phone number above.

If you have received initial approval from the nurse specialist, we will schedule a consultation appointment with a surgeon. We recommend that you bring a family member or significant other, and come prepared to discuss your health history as well as your past experience with conventional weight loss methods.