Frequently Asked Questions
Should I consider weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is generally reserved for people who are at least 100 pounds overweight or who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. If you deal with other health risks, you may be eligible for weight loss surgery with a BMI of 35 or greater. Inova uses guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health to determine eligibility for weight loss surgery.
The health benefits of weight loss are numerous and well documented. Learn more.
Use our easy-to-use calculator to learn your BMI 
What if I've been gaining and losing the same 20 pounds for the past ten years?
Inova Medical Weight Loss Program may be an excellent option for you. This medically supervised 12-week program located at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital gives you access to expert physicians and specially trained weight loss clinicians who will help you transition to more healthful eating habits, exercise and counseling. Our comprehensive weight loss program provides you with the education, support and consistent follow-up to help you successfully meet your weight loss goals.
How much experience does Inova Fair Oaks Hospital have with weight loss programs?
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is home to the most experienced weight loss surgical experts in the region. Our surgeons have performed more than 7,000 bariatric surgeries and our hospital is certified as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). This designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record for high quality bariatric surgery. Appropriate furniture and hospital equipment and a highly educated and well-trained staff are just a few of the many requirements to become an ASMBS Center of Excellence.
The physicians and clinicians who staff the Inova Medical Weight Loss Program have chosen weight loss as a professional area of interest and expertise. Our board-certified doctors, registered dietitians, weight loss counselors and exercise specialists are here to help you lose and manage your weight. We want you to be successful!
What about patient care?
Weight loss is a signature service at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, which prides itself on its excellent service to weight loss patients. Every patient we serve is a VIP – a Very Important Patient. We make any stay or visit with us as comfortable as possible, with amenities that include valet parking, room service at your request, wireless Internet throughout the hospital, on-demand movies, and the Get Well Network where patients and their families have immediate access to their healthcare team. Our VIP treatment extends to every facet of the healthcare services we provide. Our high patient satisfaction scores prove it! so get ready for individualized, compassionate care. Get ready to be treated like our VIP!