Obesity is on the rise in Portland, Oregon and in other areas of the United States. Increasingly, doctors are recommending weight loss surgery (or bariatric surgery) to their patients who need obesity help. To determine if you might qualify, you can use the calculator on the left. Gastric bypass surgery is a frequently performed method of bariatric surgery. Another common technique is Lap Band® surgery. Less common procedures include biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch as well as vertical banded gastroplasty. Again, although gastric banding and bypass surgery are done more often, your Portland, OR gastric surgeon will make the decision. The gastric band or gastric bypass surgery may be particularly important for you if you have been unsuccessful at weight loss or if your weight has caused you to develop diabetes, sleep apnea or other health issues.

Oregon Health and Science University is one of many hospitals and medical systems that you may encounter when you decide to have bariatric surgery in western Oregon. Others are Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center, and Oregon State Hospital Portland.

In addition to the medical resources available in Portland, patients going there for weight loss surgery could enjoy tourist activities as well. If you like gardens, visit the International Rose Test Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, or the Classical Chinese Garden. The Portland Saturday Market is one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts markets in America. Another stop is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.