Bariatric Surgery Program

Take the next step in transforming your health

Millions of Americans struggle with their weight, but the battle to overcome obesity can be especially difficult. There may be many contributing factors including genetics, environment, metabolism and even certain medications. Weight-loss surgery or "bariatric surgery" may be the most effective treatment for severe obesity and the best way to get you back on track for a healthier lifestyle.

When considering bariatric surgery, it's important to find a highly qualified, integrated team, like the experts at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics. Our providers work on multi-disciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for all your weight management needs—from the first steps, through surgery and beyond.

Sign up for a free introductory session

Our bariatric surgery team will explain specific program requirements, discuss the types of procedures offered and answer any questions.

Concord, Manchester or
Nashua, NH

Call 603-695-2870
Choose option 1

Lebanon, NH

Call 603-650-7913

Krystal's Way Forward

With the support of the Weight Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Bedford, Krystal Kebler was able to make the changes that led to successful bariatric surgery and the active life she wanted.

View story

Our Bariatric Surgery Program offers several procedures, which we will discuss in the introductory session. Your surgeon will help determine which is right for you.

Requirements for surgery

In order to consider bariatric surgery, you must first meet minimal criteria as proposed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These criteria include:

  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40.
  • A BMI between 35 and 40 and at high risk for serious obesity-related conditions that could cause death, such as sleep apnea, heart problems or severe diabetes.
  • Failed attempts at traditional weight loss methods.
  • Physical problems caused by obesity that interfere with lifestyle or body size that causes severe problems with work, family roles, even walking.

Learn more about bariatric surgery from The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

See if bariatric surgery is right for you

Get answers to your questions and meet our bariatric team at an introductory session.

Concord, Manchester or
Nashua, NH

Call 603-695-2870
Choose option 1

Why choose our Bariatric Surgery Program?

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Dartmouth Health caregivers walking in a hallway

Experts here for you

Our surgeons are board certified with more than 50 years of combined experience and average 200 weight-loss surgeries at each of our locations per year.

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Dartmouth Health Bariatric Surgery caregiver meeting with a patient

Caring for you beyond surgery

Our integrated team of surgeons, nutritionists and obesity medicine providers are trained in weight-loss management and will work together to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery.

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Dartmouth Health Bariatric Surgery caregivers performing surgery

Quality and safety

Our locations are accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), so you can trust that we meet the highest quality standards of care and innovation.

"Believe in yourself, believe in your hopes and dreams."

Krystal, Bariatric Surgery Patient

Bariatric surgery can help

Obesity is a disease and is connected to many medical problems. After bariatric surgery, patients usually lose about 50-66% of their excess body weight, which equals about 33% of their overall weight. If you lose weight and keep it off, your medical conditions are most likely going to improve. Bariatric surgery may:

  • Eliminate sleep apnea in more than 90 percent of patients.
  • Improve shortness of breath and asthma.
  • Reduce heartburn and other reflux symptoms.
  • Improve outlook and self-esteem.
  • Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Reduce diabetes medication, like insulin and oral medications.
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Reduce degenerative joint disease, arthritis and back pain symptoms.

Our care does not end with your surgery

When you join our Bariatric Surgery Program, we are with you throughout your entire journey on a path to a healthier life. Our after-surgery plan includes support and education from our nutritionists, nurses and providers.

After bariatric surgery support groups

We offer virtual groups to support you after surgery. Networking with others who are experiencing similar lifestyle changes can be very helpful in one's weight-loss journey. A registered dietitian is always present to facilitate conversation and help answer questions.

Two programs for your convenience

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Metabolic and bariatric surgery quality program logo

Our Bariatric Surgery Programs are accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and offer Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, removal of gastric bands and revisional surgery.

Each program has a dedicated staff including surgeons, obesity medicine providers, counselors and dieticians. Please visit each program location to learn more about its pre- and post-surgery education and support.

Concord, Manchester and Nashua

Serving the southern part of New Hampshire and Vermont, our bariatric team is dedicated to providing the best care, close to home.

Lebanon

Established 40 years ago, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program is the longest continually operating bariatric program in northern New England.