Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, may be right for you if you struggle with obesity and haven’t been able to lose weight with diet and exercise. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you receive guidance from dedicated experts throughout your journey. We blend surgical excellence, compassionate care and a supportive team to help you achieve your goals.

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool to help you achieve significant, long-term weight loss and resolve many co-existing health conditions. Our comprehensive Center for Weight Management in the Puget Sound area offers: 

• Bariatric surgery leader: We are one of the largest and most respected health care systems in the state, with decades of experience performing bariatric surgeries. Bariatric surgeons from all over the country come to our institution to observe and learn the newest surgical techniques. 
  
  
• Skilled surgeons: A number of our surgeons have additional fellowship training in weight loss surgery. This experience means our team is qualified to perform all bariatric procedures, even complex revisions or surgeries for high-risk patients. 
  
  
• Minimally invasive weight loss surgery: We specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques. We are a national leader in robotic surgery and we have some of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the Pacific Northwest. Minimally invasive surgery results in a faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars. 
  
  
• National recognition: All of our bariatric surgery specialty hospitals have accreditation from The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This recognition illustrates our adherence to the highest quality and safety standards when providing your weight loss surgery. 
  
  
• High volumes, excellent outcomes: We are high-volume weight loss surgery centers, performing more than 1,000 bariatric procedures each year across our locations in the Puget Sound. This in-depth experience, combined with our patient-centered approach, leads to excellent outcomes.

Major weight loss can be extremely rewarding, both physically and mentally. But did you know that weight loss surgery treats more than obesity? Bariatric surgery can greatly lower your risk of many weight-related health problems (obesity comorbidities), including: 

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Heartburn
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea

Our surgeons have extensive training and experience in several types of weight loss surgery. This expertise allows us to select the procedure that best fits your needs. 

Learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery we offer: 

• Gastric sleeve
• Gastric bypass
• Duodenal switch/SADI
• Bariatric revision surgery

We specialize in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. These minimally invasive procedures involve making several small openings (less than 1 centimeter) in your abdomen. During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon uses a laparoscope (special camera) and long-handled surgical tools to operate through the incisions. During robotic surgery, your surgeon uses a console to control surgical instruments that move like human hands but with better clarity, precision, and range of motion. 

Benefits of minimally invasive weight loss surgery include: 

• Improved accuracy and precision during surgery
• Less pain
• Lower risk of complications such as infections or hernias
• Quicker recovery
• Smaller scars

You don't have to carry the burden of obesity alone. Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing step towards a healthier, more active, and more joyful future. We're here in the Tacoma/Seattle area to help you explore your options and make an informed decision.

We invite you to take the next step to find out more about your weight loss options. You can also browse our weight loss surgery FAQs.