From our highly skilled, experienced surgeons, to our caring support team of nutritionists, psychologists and others, the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center offers everything you need to help you on your way to weight-loss surgery success.

MBS-A-QIP SealWe are an Accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Center with the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and the Bariatric Surgery. Demonstrating an uncompromised commitment to quality, we have earned the confidence, respect and trust of patients that are making a lifetime commitment to living a healthier life.

Your Partners in Weight-Loss Surgery

Our Surgical Weight Loss Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center is a comprehensive program designed to provide our patients with support throughout their journey.

  • Personalized navigators guide each patient through the process, review eligibility, and assist with insurance requirements.
  • New Patient Class provides an overview of the surgical weight-loss journey.
  • Psychological assessment ensures patients are mentally prepared and equipped for this life change.
  • Weekly support groups are available before and after surgery.
  • Nutritional education and support for optimal health benefits.
  • A nurse navigator assists and answers questions throughout hospitalization and after surgery.

Who Qualifies for Weight-Loss Surgery?

Weight-loss surgery candidacy depends on each individual and their specific evaluation. However, each possible candidate will need to meet the following criteria to be accepted for a weight loss surgery procedure:

  • Proven previous efforts at weight loss that include mainstream dieting and/or exercise programs. No “fad” diets will be accepted.
  • Willing to make necessary changes in eating habits and a pledged motivation toward weight loss.
  • Absence of medical problems that would make surgery and/or anesthesia hazardous.
  • Usually between the age of 18-65.
  • At least 75 pounds over the recommended weight for your age, height and gender or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater or 35 or greater with certain co-morbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea.

Weight-Loss Surgery Assessment

Find out if you're a candidate for weight-loss surgery.

FAQs

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What does each weight-loss surgery specialist do?
  • Bariatric Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to weight-loss surgery to treat obesity.
  • Gastroenterologist - A physician who is specialized in disorders, conditions and disease of the digestive system.
  • Plastic Surgeon - A surgeon who specializes in reconstructive techniques.

In addition to weight-loss surgery specialists, other medical professionals may be involved in your obesity treatment and recovery, including:

  • Anesthesiologist - A physician who is specialized in preoperative care, anesthesia and airway management, intraoperative life support, pain control, intraoperative diagnostic stabilization and post-operative care.
  • Registered Dietitians (RD) or Registered Diet Technicians – A professional who specializes in food and nutrition. They advise what foods to eat in order to live a healthy active lifestyle and to achieve total-health goals.
  • Surgical Assistant or Surgical First – A trained medical professional such as a physician, surgical resident, surgical physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed surgical assistant, or certified surgical first assistant who provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that assist the surgeon in preforming a safe operation with optimal results.
  • Surgical Nurse – A nurse who is specialized in perioperative care, they provide care before, during and after surgery.
  • Surgical Technologist – A professional who aids in preparing you for surgery, assist surgeons with surgical tools and equipment during surgery, and perform post-surgery practices.
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How do I find a weight-loss surgery specialist?

Bariatric surgeons can be searched in our Find a Provider physician’s directory. Talking to your primary care provider and asking them for a referral to a bariatric surgeon is a good first step.

Surgical Weight Loss Center Physician Partners

*A referral may be required from your primary care provider.