Losing weight can be a frustrating cycle. You have some success, then you have a setback, some success again, then another setback. This exasperating experience can last for decades. But weight loss surgery can bring that cycle to a halt. With bariatric surgery, you can finally find the tool you’ve been looking for to help you lose weight permanently.
When you decide it is time for your new beginning, we will be here to guide you along the way. First, we will help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Then, we will share details about our program to make sure you know what’s involved. We’ll teach you not just about the surgery and recovery but also the lifestyle changes you will have to make for long-term success.
Weight loss surgery is not for everyone. Before going any further, you should find out if it’s right for you. Here are some factors to consider:
Participate in a weight loss surgery seminar
We understand that choosing weight loss surgery isn't an easy decision. That's why the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Weight Loss Surgery team offers an informational seminar. We require our future patients to attend so that they can learn how the bariatric surgery process works. Check your closest Â鶹ÊÓƵ hospital to see if they offer an in-person seminar. Each location offers an online seminar option, which can be watched at .
The seminar will walk you through the procedures available at your Â鶹ÊÓƵ hospital. Procedures may include:
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- ORBERA™ gastric balloon
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch gastric bypass
Financing your surgery
Costs for weight loss surgery can vary significantly based on your personal needs, the type of surgery you choose and your insurance. Many insurance plans will cover the surgical costs, but coverage for weight loss surgery differs by insurance provider and employer group.
After attending our information seminar, you should contact your insurance company to confirm that you have benefits for "morbid obesity." To qualify for surgery, many insurers require supervised diets and special clearance letters from your doctors. Our office has a team who will assist you in navigating insurance requirements.
If your insurance coverage does not cover weight loss surgery, you may consider paying for the surgery yourself. Pricing information is available through our offices.
Who is a candidate?
If you've been thinking about weight loss surgery as a tool for losing weight and maintaining your ongoing health goals, these guidelines and qualifications can help you determine if these procedures are an option for you.
You may qualify for weight loss surgery if:
- You are at least 13 years old
- You are at least 100 pounds overweight or:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 kg/m2 or higher.
- Your BMI is at least 35 kg/m2, and you have one or more serious obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.
- You have been overweight for more than five years
- Your serious weight-loss attempts have had only short-term success
- You are not suffering from any other disease that may have caused your excess weight
- You are prepared to make long-term healthy changes in your eating habits and lifestyle
- Keep in mind that only a qualified physician/surgeon can properly evaluate all the factors in your case.
Remember that only a qualified physician/surgeon can properly evaluate all the factors in your case.