Our History

UI Obesity Surgery was founded by pioneers in the field including Edward E. Mason, MD, the “Father of Obesity Surgery." Our program is the birthplace of several effective bariatric procedures including the gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty.

UI Hospitals and Clinics surgeons have played pivotal roles in the development of the UI Obesity Surgery program, and the laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure in particular.  

In May 2000, physicians at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics were the first in Iowa to introduce the state-of-the-art laparoscopic approach to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the morbidly obese.

Because our surgeons are dedicated to offering the very best in surgical weight loss, the UI Obesity Surgery program only performs the safest and most effective forms of bariatric surgery. Our well established program offers more experience, services, and support to help you reach your ultimate goal – getting back to enjoying your life. It’s the reason our outcomes far exceed the national average, and why our patients have the best chance at successfully getting their lives back.

As Iowa’s only comprehensive academic medical center, the UI Obesity Surgery program is led by skilled surgeons and supported by a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, clinical nurses, dietitians, and counselors who offer personalized care before, during, and well after surgery. It is the only program in Iowa that offers such complete care over an entire lifetime.

Not every obese person can qualify for gastric bypass surgery. Patients must have severe obesity and/or have associated medical problems and meet specific qualifications.