Have you struggled with your weight long-term? Have you worked hard to lose weight on different diets only to gain all of that weight back? Have you developed long-term health issues because of your weight? Does your weight prevent you from participating in activities?

If your answer is ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, bariatric/weight loss surgery could help you attain your weight loss goal and better your health. A stunning 50 million American adults suffer from obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30-39.9), with 9 million of these falling into the category of morbidly obese (BMI of 40 and above). A person with obesity has a 40% increased risk of developing certain diseases than someone who is of normal weight, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. 

However, weight loss surgery not only decreases the risk of developing these diseases, but also works to correct any current diseases, often curing the disease. Weight loss surgery has been shown to increase an individual’s life expectancy by 30-40%. It has also been shown to improve one’s quality of life by improving one’s level of activity as well as decreasing pain. 

Bariatric surgery is not only an effective treatment for obesity, it is a safe treatment. It is as safe as gallbladder surgery, hip replacement, and hysterectomy.

A person that has a BMI of 30 or greater qualifies for bariatric surgery. However, insurance companies have their own criteria when it comes to paying for the surgery. Most of them follow these guidelines:

A patient with a BMI of 40 or greater with no weight-related illness (comorbidities) 

OR 

A patient with a BMI of 35-39.9 with a comorbidity such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and heart disease.

Although most policies cover bariatric surgery, every insurance policy is different, depending on what your employer has chosen. To find out if YOUR policy includes bariatric surgery, call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and give them the CPT code 43775. Your insurance carrier will be able to tell you if this surgery is covered under your policy. 

FINANCING IS AVAILABLE through MDsave for those who are not eligible for insurance coverage and wish to pay for the surgery themselves. 

The sleeve gastrectomy, also called the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a permanent form of weight loss. It is the most effective form of weight loss we offer, as well as the most commonly performed weight loss surgery nationwide. The surgery is performed either laparoscopically or robotically, which involves making 4 small incisions on the upper abdomen and inserting small instruments to perform the procedure. A large portion (approximately 80%) of the stomach is stapled and removed from the body. The remaining stomach pouch is the size of a small banana, holding a maximum of ½ cup of food. In addition, the procedure prompts hormonal changes that decrease your appetite, hunger, and cravings. The sleeve gastrectomy is the only surgery with these benefits that we offer. This procedure is covered by most insurance refer to the “Who Qualifies for Surgery” section above.

You will have an in-depth consult with our team to get your surgery process started. Our team will review your medical and surgical history and discuss your history with obesity. All patients undergo the basic pre-surgical process, which takes an average of 2 months. This can take up to 6 months, depending on any additional requirements from your insurance carrier. Below is a list of requirements every patient must complete prior to being approved for surgery.

1. Medical clearance letter from your primary care provider, as well as from your heart and/or lung doctor if you see one

2. Nutrition consultation with our registered dietician

3. Psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist to evaluate your readiness for surgery 

The pre-surgical process may seem extensive, but it is designed to prepare you for the life change you are about to make. Weight loss surgery is not just about the surgery…that’s the small part!