Obesity has become the #1 public health problem in our country today -- more than half of Americans are overweight and roughly 12 million Americans have severe obesity (defined as being 100 lbs. or more overweight). Ohio currently ranks 13th among the states for this condition. Obesity is a major cause of premature death and many other medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea and degenerative joint disease.

At Cleveland Clinic, our bariatric weight loss surgery program is focused on addressing obesity with modern treatment strategies, research and education, because losing weight often is not as simple as it sounds. Our bariatric surgeons perform the safest and most effective weight loss surgery procedures.

Dr. Stacy Brethauer urges national policy changes to fight obesity. Read the Story   A very important study about the health benefits of bariatric surgery was published in the  the Journal of the American Medical Association on Jan 3, 2012. Many patients are off insulin before they leave the hospital as seen in this ABC NEWS video with Dr. Schauer  Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiovascular Risk Profile Introducing Laparoscopic Gastric Plication A promising - less invasive - weight loss procedure. Watch the story from WKYC View Cleveland Clinic and BMI Surgical Videos on YouTube The Cutting Edge: Fighting the Fat is the first of three hour-long specials providing in-depth coverage on some of the most threatening health concerns for Americans. It takes news cameras to some of the nation's premier obesity treatment centers to talk to the experts about how obesity is impacting our country and what we can do about it. NBC-TV Cutting Edge Medical Special: Obesity – Dr. Philip Schauer discusses obesity and surgery options. Watch Clip 1 Watch Clip 2 Outcomes Book 2011

Why Bariatric Surgery?

Because it substantially reduces obesity related disease and mortality.
Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Surgical Review Corporation. The designation, awarded to programs with a proven record of favorable outcomes for weight-loss surgery. The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic has also been accredited as a Level 1 facility by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Why Choose Medical and Surgical Weight Loss at the Cleveland Clinic?

• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary integration of medical and surgical treatment of obesity.
• #1 in Ohio in number of bariatric surgery procedures per year for the past two years (>500 cases per year).
• Largest Bariatric Surgery center in Ohio with 5 surgeons, 2 bariatricians and more than 50 support professionals.
• Most experienced surgeons in Ohio with combined bariatric surgical experience of more than 8000 procedures. 98% of all bariatric procedures performed with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
• Special expertise in surgery for Diabetes (Type 2), revisional surgery, high risk surgery, and surgery for adolescents.
• State of the art Bariatric Facility which accommodates patients of all sizes.
• Certified as a Center of Excellence by both the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Surgical Review Corporation (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Please contact us to discuss your Ohio weight loss surgery and medical weight management options. Or, refer a patient for a second opinion concerning bariatric surgery for obesity.

Learn What The Cleveland Clinic Can Do for You:
An Introduction to Bariatric Surgery