The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Bariatric Surgery Program specializes in helping people with severe obesity, a condition that puts people at very high risk for suffering from other chronic and life-threatening medical problems. Learn more about the steps to bariatric surgery and view our FAQs below.

After viewing an information session, learning about your insurance coverage and submitting your application for surgery, you’ll get to meet with some of our experts so they can learn more about your individual needs.

This complete counseling and consultation process includes:

Bariatric counseling – All candidates for bariatric surgery at Ohio State will have a consultation with a psychologist. During this appointment, a psychologist will review and interpret a few tests to learn more about you and the ways you cope with life events and stress. You and the psychologist will also discuss your current and past lifestyles and how weight has affected your decisions. This is a required part of the process and will help us make sure you are successful before and after surgery.

Medical and dietary evaluations – Once your completed application has been received and your bariatric counseling has been scheduled, we will contact you to schedule consultations with our team of dietitians and clinical experts. During these visits, we will learn about your overall health and current to determine if you are ready for weight-loss surgery, and if so, which procedure will best meet your needs.

A dietitian will meet with you to determine whether you’re nutritionally ready for surgery.

Blood will be drawn for some tests, and other procedures may be ordered to ensure that you receive all the care your need to prepare safely for surgery.

At the end of these visits, you will have a written plan to decrease your personal health risks for surgery (including medical testing and goals), as well as the items your program coordinator has identified as insurance requirements.

You must work with your program coordinator to complete your developed plan and meet your medical requirements before you can move forward in the surgical process; once these are finalized, we will request insurance approval for surgery.

Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Most insurances have bariatric surgery coverage.
If my insurance requires a weight management program when should I get started?
Right away. Start making appointments with your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss weight, diet and exercise.
I’ve been working on weight management with my PCP for years. Does that count?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans accept weight management notes within 12 months or 24 months. Some plans require 3 – 6 consecutive months.
How long is the weight management program?
Programs will vary based on insurance requirements and program requirements. Typically, insurance requirements can range from 3 – 12 months.
Do I need to complete insurance requirements if my PCP states the surgery is medically necessary?
Yes. Insurance companies list bariatric surgery as an elective procedure so all requirements must be met to get insurance approval.
How long does it take to get to surgery?
Time to surgery varies from person to person and insurance requirements. Average time is 6 – 9 months and is related to the time it takes to complete the weight management portion of insurance requirements.
Can I pick my surgeon?
Yes. You may choose from the list of our four surgeons.
Will my insurance cover protein shakes/vitamins?
Most insurance companies don’t cover supplements. Our office doesn’t do prior authorization for protein shakes or vitamins.
What is the self-pay cost?
Depending on the procedure, self-pay ranges between $17,200 for gastric sleeve to $19,750 for Roux-en-Y.

Self-pay covers the cost of initial psychology, NP and dietitian appointments. It also covers the cost of the preop surgeon appointment, surgery, hospital stay and any follow-up appointments in our clinic for 90 days postop. All other requirements for bariatric surgery will not be included in the self-pay cost and will vary based on the necessary requirements.

There is not a self-pay option for revision surgery.
Do you have payment plans for self-pay?
No. Self-pay is paid in full prior to the surgery date.
When will someone be calling me to schedule my appointments?
After we get your completed application and check with your insurance, we’ll call you in 7 – 10 days to schedule your appointments.
Are my visits in person?
Visits are by telephone, video and in person.
What can I eat after surgery?
Successful bariatric surgery requires lifelong changes. A registered dietitian will go through all the restrictions and dietary guidelines over the course of several telephone visits.
I have several medical conditions; can I still have bariatric surgery?
Many patients who seek bariatric surgery have medical conditions, and there are very few that would prevent you from getting surgery. However, your providers will go over your medical history and determine your eligibility for surgery.
How long will I be in the hospital after surgery?
Typical hospital stay for laparoscopic bariatric surgery is 1 – 1 ½ days. Discharge criteria includes pain control, nausea control, being able to drink enough to maintain your hydration, being able to walk around, and understanding the Step 2 diet and when to call the clinic.
When can I return to work after surgery?
Recommended time off after surgery is 4 – 6 weeks. This allows for healing and adjusting to dietary changes. You’ll be evaluated two weeks after surgery and may discuss return to work with the surgeon during your scheduled visit.
Can I have skin removal after surgery?
At 18 – 24 months after surgery, if your weight loss has stabilized, you may be evaluated by our providers for a referral to plastic surgery.
How much weight should I expect to lose?
Roux-en-Y procedure:
You can expect a realistic weight loss of 50 – 80% of excess weight by two years after surgery.
For example: A person who weighs 300 pounds and whose ideal body weight is 150 pounds (150 pounds of excess body weight) would have a successful weight loss at two years of 75 to 120 pounds. This person would then weigh 180 to 225 pounds.
- 300 pounds (current weight) – 150 pounds (ideal weight) = 150 pounds (excess weight)
- 300 pounds – (50% x 150 pounds) = 300 pounds – 75 pounds = 225 pounds
- 300 pounds – (80% x 150 pounds) = 300 pounds – 120 pounds = 180 pounds
Ideal body weight is equal to 100 pounds for the first 5 feet plus 5 pounds for each added inch for women. For men, it is equal to 106 pounds for the first 5 feet plus 6 pounds for each added inch

Sleeve gastrectomy procedure:
You can expect a realistic weight loss of 50 – 70% of excess weight by two years after surgery.
For example: A person who weighs 300 pounds and whose ideal body weight is 150 pounds (150 pounds of excess body weight) would have a successful weight loss at two years of 75 to 105 pounds. This person would then weigh 195 to 225 pounds.
- 300 pounds (current weight) – 150 pounds (ideal weight) = 150 pounds (excess weight)
- 300 pounds – (50% x 150 pounds) = 300 pounds – 75 pounds = 225 pounds
- 300 pounds – (70% x 150 pounds) = 300 pounds – 105 pounds = 195 pounds
Ideal body weight is equal to 100 pounds for the first 5 feet plus 5 pounds for each added inch for women. For men, it is equal to 106 pounds for the first 5 feet plus 6 pounds for each added inch.
What are activity restrictions after surgery?
No lifting > 10 – 15 pounds for four weeks after surgery. Don’t drive until you’re two weeks postop or after your first follow-up appointment. You may walk and do stairs. No water exercise until incision sites are well healed (no scabs).
What is dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome happens when your stomach contents are “dumped” into your small intestine too quickly. Usually, you notice these symptoms soon after eating and they can range from mild to severe. In most cases dumping improves on its own. This can happen if you eat and drink at the same time, take too big a bite or have more than 10 grams of sugar at a time.

SYMPTOMS: (immediately – 1 hour after eating) nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, bloating and/or belching
LATER SYMPTOMS: (1 – 3 hours after eating) sweating, weakness, fatigue, anxiety, heart palpitations, fainting, mental confusion and/or shakiness
Why do I have to give up smoking?
Under no circumstances should you smoke or use nicotine-containing products after surgery. Nicotine and the toxins from smoking will increase your risk of developing ulcers and possible perforation (hole in the connection between the pouch and small bowel).
Can I become pregnant after having the surgery?
Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for 18 – 24 months after surgery. Rapid weight loss and potential nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. If you do become pregnant, please notify our office and your obstetrician.