The UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center has performed surgical weight-loss procedures since 1996 and is accredited by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network of the American College of Surgeons. We are accredited as a Level 1 center, meaning we have the resources to provide complete bariatric surgical care, have a high volume of patients and can manage the most challenging and complex conditions.
Our team includes nurses, dietitians, gastroenterologists and surgeons. We offer comprehensive evaluations before surgery and follow-up care after surgery including support groups, dietitian services and continuing education. We consider bariatric surgery a tool to help you live a healthier, longer and full life. Your ultimate success, however, depends on your adherence to dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes after surgery. We want to help you succeed.
Obesity is a complex and chronic disease with many causes. It's not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that genetics often plays a role, particularly if you're morbidly obese. To help patients lose weight and maintain that weight loss, the UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center uses surgical techniques to treat morbid obesity when other efforts have failed.
There are several criteria to determine morbid obesity. One is being 50 to 100 percent more than your ideal body weight. Another measure is being 100 pounds overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. BMI is a number based on both your height and weight that can help evaluate the degree to which you are overweight and assess your total body fat. Normal BMI is 20 to 25. Use our Body Mass Index Tool to check your BMI.
Obesity becomes "morbid" when it increases your risk for life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and severe joint problems. In many cases, bariatric surgery is the most effective way to treat morbid obesity. Several bariatric procedures are available. The most common are "restrictive" procedures that reduce the stomach size and limit the calories you can consume.
Bariatric Surgery Center
400 Parnassus Ave., Sixth Floor, Room A-655
San Francisco, CA 94143-0338
Phone: (415) 353-2804
Fax: (415) 353-2505
Before getting an appointment with the clinic, you will need to complete and send in several forms to be evaluated for the program. Mail the following four items in one envelope to the Bariatric Surgery Center. If the packet of information is not complete, it will be mailed back to you.
Last updated February 1, 2012
To be considered for bariatric surgery, you must weigh less than 450 pounds because our hospital X-ray equipment can't accommodate patients who weigh more. A nutritionist is available to help you lose weight to meet this requirement, if necessary.
The evaluation process consists of the following steps:
Step 1 — Mail the completed new patient medical history questionnaire (see "What to Bring), letter of referral from your primary care doctor and insurance documentation to the Bariatric Surgery Center.
Step 2 — After we review your information packet, we will contact you to schedule your first visit with a surgeon and a new patient orientation to meet our team.
Step 3 — During your first visit with a surgeon, you will receive a llist of required tests and consultation. Please work with your primary care doctor to complete these tests. Provide all written reports and letters regarding test results.
Step 4 — When you complete all required tests and evaluations, please mail all reports to the Bariatric Surgery Center in one envelope.
Step 5 — We will review all test results and will call you to arrange another consult with your surgeon, unless results indicate the surgery should not be performed. If there are "contraindications" or risks, we will call you to discuss.
Step 6 — During your visit with your surgeon, we will develop a plan for your operation. Typically within a week of this visit, we will schedule a date for your operation.
Step 7 — After your operation is scheduled, an appointment at the Prepare Clinic the anesthesia and surgical evaluation program, will be scheduled. Anesthesiologists will develop a plan for the day of your operation.
The UCSF Bariatric Surgery Center has performed surgical weight-loss procedures since 1996. Our team includes nurses, dietitians, gastroenterologists and surgeons. We offer comprehensive evaluations before surgery and follow-up care after surgery including support groups, dietitian services and continuing education. We consider bariatric surgery a tool to help you live a healthier, longer and full life. Your ultimate success, however, depends on your adherence to dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes after surgery. We want to help you succeed.
Attend a free information session about bariatric surgery.
Public parking at UCSF Medical Center is available for an hourly fee in the seven-level Millberry Union Garage at 500 Parnassus Ave. There are two garage entrances — one on the north side of Parnassus Avenue and another on Irving Street, just east of Third Avenue.
Another garage with an hourly fee, at 350 Parnassus Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Metered street parking is rarely available.
Patients being admitted to the hospital may be dropped off at the circular driveway leading to the main entrance at 505 Parnassus Ave. This area also may be used to pick up patients who are being discharged.
For more information about parking at Parnassus, call Campus Parking Services at 476-2566.
Valet parking service is available at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) at 400 Parnassus Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The valet service is free. Patients pay regular parking fees. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 476-6200.
A UCSF "greeter" also is available at the ACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist patients find their way.
UCSF Medical Center is accessible via Muni streetcar line N-Judah*, which stops at Second Avenue and Irving Street, and the following Muni bus lines, which stop in front of the hospital:
For more information about Muni visit, www.sfmuni.com.
* Wheelchair accessible bus routes
