How to compare bariatric programs

Criteria commonly used

1. Independent accreditation. Look for MBSAQIP (U.S.), SRC Center of Excellence, and Joint Commission International (JCI) — each can be verified in the issuing organization's public directory.
2. Case volume. Higher-volume programs are associated with lower complication rates in published bariatric outcomes literature.
3. Published outcomes. Peer-reviewed publications or presentations at professional societies (ASMBS, IFSO) that report morbidity, mortality, and long-term follow-up.
4. Multidisciplinary evaluation. Surgery, obesity medicine, nutrition, and behavioral health should all be involved before a procedure is offered.
5. Long-term follow-up. Documented plan for annual labs, nutrition support, and management of complications.
6. Transparency. Editorial, advertising, and testimonial policies published openly; conflicts of interest disclosed; institutional claims labeled.

Our own program's accreditations, published outcomes, and transparency policies are on the accreditation, science & evidence, and network transparency pages.