Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is an important decision to make. We understand the desire to have this surgery is a choice you are making for your long-term health.
Our team provides the following bariatric surgeries:
Gastric Sleeve: A sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that decreases the stomach's size, limiting the amount of food consumed. A vertical sleeve of the stomach is created using a stapling device and the rest of the stomach is removed. As a result, patients feel full sooner and stay full longer. This procedure is typically done laparoscopically and allows for normal digestion and absorption of food.
Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass dramatically reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time by stapling the stomach to create a tiny stomach pouch. The remaining stomach and section of the small intestine are bypassed, which delays food from digestion and stops a portion of calories from being absorbed. In most cases, patients report an early sense of fullness and satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
Gastric Revision Surgery: Patients who had previous bariatric surgery may experience weight gain or gastrointestinal conditions and may need to revise their original operation. Revision surgery can be complicated, so it is essential to consult your surgeon to determine if revision surgery is appropriate.
Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?
In the United States, 30% of adults are considered obese and obesity is continuing to rise. Obesity can cause health problems like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and even infertility.Diet and exercise are typical ways individuals try to lose weight, however, sometimes this fails. Genetics and disease are beyond our control, and for these reasons you may be considering weight loss surgery.
Candidate selection for weight loss surgery is based on the National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria, including the following:
- Ages 18 to 65
- Body mass index greater than 35 with at least one health issue such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea
- Body mass index 40 and greater qualifies with or without other health issues
Insurance Approval
Most insurance companies cover weight loss surgery, but it is important for patients to contact the Customer Service phone number on the back of their insurance card to determine if it is covered by their insurance company.
Getting insurance approval can take time. Each insurance company has specific criteria that must be met prior to approving you for weight loss surgery. Our team will help coordinate between the patient, insurance plan and surgery staff to meet the criteria. You can view the insurance companies that are contracted with Renown Health here.
When a patient has met all of the insurance criteria, the surgeon's insurance specialist will submit your materials and letter of medical necessity to the insurance company. The patient will meet with the surgeon once a month preoperatively after they have been approved by the insurance company.
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