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 Merit Health River Oaks 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 Merit Health River Oaks, 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.
We take a holistic and lifestyle-based approach to health and wellness. We focus on both surgical and non-surgical treatment of obesity through our bariatric and medically managed weight loss programs. With conflicting information about what to eat and how to exercise, getting healthy on your own often can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we use an evidence-based approach to dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help you reach your long-term health and wellness goals.
About The Team
Our bariatric surgery program includes a team of bariatric specialists, including a nutritionist, dietician and surgical coordinator. Three surgeons on staff at Merit Health River Oaks specialize in bariatric procedures. Combined, they have more than 60 years of experience performing more than 2,000 weight-loss surgeries. Working closely with you and your primary care physician, the surgeons and their office staff will create a personalized plan that promotes your physical and emotional well-being to help you achieve success.
Program Accreditation
The bariatric program at Merit Health River Oaks is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). These organizations have a strict set of standards that must be met before a hospital can receive this distinct seal of approval. The program’s rigorous review process helps ensure hospitals have all components in place to produce the best outcomes for patients. This includes:
- Staff specially trained to treat morbidly obese patients, including the surgeon, nurses, radiologists, anesthesiologists, nutritionists and psychologists.
- Specialized equipment and accommodations (such as patient rooms with enlarged doorways and bathrooms) that help provide a safe and comfortable hospital stay.
- Most importantly, patient experiences and outcomes are evaluated and also must meet a high standard.
Maintaining this accreditation conveys our commitment and ability to provide high quality bariatric care. Throughout the entire surgical weight loss journey, we provide our patients both trusted medical guidance and compassionate emotional support from pre-surgery to long after the procedure date. Weight loss surgery is a lifelong commitment, and you can find peace of mind knowing that follow-up care is always here for you.
Meet The Surgeons