Kickstart Your Weight Loss and Health Goals
Kickstart Your Weight Loss and Health Goals
When traditional weight loss methods haven't led to long-term weight loss, it may be time to seek medical treatment. In fact, many health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization, recognize obesity as a persistent, progressive disease that needs medical treatment. And for some, bariatric surgery may be the most effective and lasting treatment - resulting in not only successful weight loss, but also improvement, prevention and even resolution of many obesity-related health conditions.
Are you ready to change your life and reclaim your health? Take the first step and attend a seminar.
Attend a SeminarAnswers to Common Questions
Though no surgery is entirely risk-free, the risks associated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery are comparable to or even less than some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S., including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and hip replacement. Plus, weight-loss surgery is a proven, effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity, helping thousands of patients who haven't been able to lose weight long-term through diet and exercise alone.
Weight-loss surgery has benefits beyond weight loss. It can lower the risk of conditions considered far more dangerous than surgery, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Studies also find that it can decrease depression symptoms, reverse sleep apnea, provide joint pain relief and increase fertility.
Banishing Bariatric MisconceptionsYes, it could! In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery is a proven, effective treatment for reversing obesity-related conditions, like diabetes. Though patient outcomes can vary, studies show up to 83% of people attain long-term Type 2 diabetes remission with surgery. By the 24-month mark, 85% of patients no longer need diabetes medication. If you have obesity and Type 2 diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider about how bariatric surgery could help, or contact our program for more information.
How Weight Loss Surgery May Resolve Type 2 DiabetesWhile we aren't able to provide exact out-of-pocket costs here, the good news is that most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery for qualified patients although coverage varies by plan. Other factors based on individual needs also help determine overall costs as well.
If you have health insurance, our team can assist you with understanding your policy and its requirements related to bariatric surgery. Many major insurance providers require medical documentation of weight-related health problems, proof of participation in a medically supervised diet program, as well as psychological and nutritional evaluations. When insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery for patients deemed eligible by a surgeon, payment plans or third-party options for financing may be available. Bariatric program coordinators have experience in helping patients explore payment options, so don't hesitate to ask.
While we aren't able to provide exact out-of-pocket costs here, the good news is that most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery for qualified patients although coverage varies by plan. Other factors based on individual needs also help determine overall costs as well.
If you have health insurance, our team can assist you with understanding your policy and its requirements related to bariatric surgery. Many major insurance providers require medical documentation of weight-related health problems, proof of participation in a medically supervised diet program, as well as psychological and nutritional evaluations. When insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery for patients deemed eligible by a surgeon, payment plans or third-party options for financing may be available.
For those interested in private-pay or self-pay options, patients at Lakeside Physicians can save on bariatric surgery through MDsave. Visit www.MDSave.com for more information.
Bariatric program coordinators have experience in helping patients explore payment options, so don't hesitate to ask for information.
While we aren't able to provide exact out-of-pocket costs here, the good news is that most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery for qualified patients although coverage varies by plan. Other factors based on individual needs also help determine overall costs as well.
If you have health insurance, our team can assist you with understanding your policy and its requirements related to bariatric surgery. Many major insurance providers require medical documentation of weight-related health problems, proof of participation in a medically supervised diet program, as well as psychological and nutritional evaluations.
Take advantage of our free insurance check to assist you with understanding any requirements your health insurance may have for full or partial coverage of surgery expenses.
Request an Insurance CheckFor those interested in private-pay or self-pay options, patients at Northwest Health can save on bariatric surgery through MDsave. Visit www.MDSave.com for more information.
Bariatric program coordinators have experience in helping patients explore payment options, so don't hesitate to ask for information.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's guidelines, which were revised in October 2022, a weight-loss procedure may be a good option for you if:
- Your BMI is 35 or greater.
- You have Type 2 Diabetes, AND your BMI is 30 or greater.
- Your BMI is between 30 and 34.9, AND you cannot achieve substantial or long-lasting weight loss or reverse obesity-related conditions through non-surgical methods.
- You are of Asian descent, have a BMI equal to or greater than 27.5 and have type 2 diabetes or certain cardiovascular conditions. (People of Asian descent often have weight-related health problems starting at a lower BMI.)
In addition to your BMI, your physician also may consider another measurement: your waist circumference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are:
- A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches.
- A non-pregnant woman whose waist measure circumference is more than 35 inches.
Surgery, combined with a healthy lifestyle and social support, can facilitate significant, long-term weight loss, but there are many other benefits beyond weight loss. Here are just a few you could experience:
- Reversal of Type 2 diabetes
- Improved cholesterol and blood pressure, which helps reduce heart disease and stroke risk
- Reduction in joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Decreased depression symptoms
- Reversal of sleep apnea - say goodbye to that CPAP!
- Improved fertility - for men and women
- A longer life
Picture what your life could be after bariatric surgery. Are you ready to take the next step?
8 Long-Term Benefits of Bariatric Surgery The Ways Weight-Loss Surgery Can Improve FertilityBecause every patient is unique, the answer to this question will vary depending on your specific health history and other factors. However, weight-loss surgery combined with exercise, healthy eating and social support, allows patients to lose significant weight and maintain those results. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that around 90% of patients lose at least 50% of their excess body weight and keep it off long-term.
Why Choose Us
At Lakeside Physicians, we understand that weight loss is a complicated issue, and it requires a supportive community to make lasting changes. And, we believe it is never too late to take control.
A Focus on Quality Care
To help our patients receive the best possible care for their healthcare dollars, we utilize evidence-based medical practices that prioritize quality and patient safety. In 2019, we received certification in bariatric surgery by The Joint Commission. This certification demonstrates our program is:
- Committed to continuous improvement and providing consistent, high-quality patient care
- Encouraging of collaboration between outpatient and inpatient healthcare providers
- Compliant with the Joint Commission’s quality criteria which emphasizes surgeon leadership, multidisciplinary team involvement and patient outcomes
Our program has also received the Blue Distinction Center accreditation with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). This designation enables us to accommodate patients whose insurance provider requires that bariatric procedures are performed only at BCBS-accredited centers.
About The Bariatric Weight Loss Team
The care team is committed to helping patients successfully complete the journey to achieving better health and well-being. Members of our team include:
- Bariatric specialist Todd Belott, M.D., FACS, FASMBS
- A certified dietician
- A bariatric coordinator
- Compassionate office staff
- A hospital bariatric instructor
- Other specially trained surgical and inpatient clinicians
As a general surgeon, Dr. Belott has performed weight-loss surgery for more than 16 years. His focus is helping patients become healthy through lifestyle changes, with surgery as the first step toward a new life. Weight loss is not the only goal. Dr. Belott's mission is to also reduce or eliminate health problems associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and lipid disorders.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
At Lake Granbury Medical Center, Dr. Belott utilizes a surgical robot to perform minimally invasive procedures which often result in less scarring and a faster recovery as compared to traditional surgery. In most cases, this approach helps patients enjoy a quick return to daily routines and work, usually within one-to-two weeks of surgery.
Our Bariatric Weight Loss Program
From pre-operative education to compassionate follow-up care, our bariatric team supports patients through every phase of the weight loss journey. Close to home, Lake Granbury Medical Center bariatric patients can access resources for:
- Nutritional and dietary guidance
- Exercise education
- Cardiology and pulmonology assessments
- Pre-authorization assistance with insurance plans OR self-pay options
- Pre-operative weight loss workshop to set expectations for before, during and after surgery through the first follow-up appointment after discharge
- Ongoing support for lasting health and happiness
Lakeside Physicians believes that when it comes down to it, weight loss surgery is far more than a medical procedure - it's a chance for a fresh start, a boost of confidence and a newfound hope for what a healthier life can look and feel like.
Meet The Surgeon