Is it time to consider bariatric surgery? If you are severely overweight, this surgery can dramatically impact your health. Surgery can help you lose excess weight, and also improve health problems associated with severe overweight, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
If you choose bariatric surgery, you must be willing to make permanent dietary and lifestyle changes.
Surgery Criteria
The typical bariatric surgery candidate:
- Is at least 18 years old
- Has a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40
- Has a BMI of at least 35 with obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or sleep apnea
- Has previously tried a non-surgical weight loss program
- Is willing to stick with the lifestyle and nutrition requirements
- Is psychologically stable
- Must attend a minimum of three support group sessions following surgery
Visit the National Institutes of Health website for more information about bariatric surgery and to calculate your BMI.
Education
Attending an information session can help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Find out about different bariatric surgery procedures, how the surgery works, what it can do for you, and much more. A friend or family member is also encouraged to attend with you.
2008 information session schedule:
Monday, June 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday, June 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday, July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 11, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, August 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, September 8, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, September 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, October 20, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, November 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, November 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, December 15, 7 to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit Classes & Events, or call (269) 341-7723 to register.
Surgeons
Meet the surgeons who perform bariatric surgery at Bronson: Alan Saber, MD, and Stuart Verseman, MD.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery varies. Many insurance companies that provide reimbursement for bariatric surgery require that patients meet certain selection criteria. If you are considering bariatric surgery, contact your health insurance provider to ask questions about your specific benefits. Bronson Methodist Hospital is not currently credentialed for Medicare, Blue Care Network, or Great Lakes Medicaid.
