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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.

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Answers to Common Questions

Is weight loss surgery safe?

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 Misconceptions
Can bariatric surgery help my Type 2 diabetes?

Yes, 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 Diabetes
How much does weight loss surgery cost?

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. 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 North Okaloosa Medical Center can save on bariatric surgery through MDsave. Visit 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 Check

For those interested in private-pay or self-pay options, patients at Northwest Health can save on bariatric surgery through MDsave. Visit for more information.

Bariatric program coordinators have experience in helping patients explore payment options, so don't hesitate to ask for information.

Call: 1-850-306-2188
Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?

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.
Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
What are some common benefits of weight loss surgery other than losing weight?

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 Fertility
How much weight can I expect to lose after having weight-loss surgery?

Because 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 North Okaloosa Medical Center, we understand that weight loss is a complicated issue, and it requires a supportive community to make lasting changes. However, we believe it is never too late to take control. With nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults battling obesity, it's no surprise that the diet industry continues to grow. Worse yet, new fad diets and misinformation online can make it difficult to find what actually works, and to stick to it. That's why our team strives to both educate you about what may work best for your body and help you feel encouraged throughout your journey.

We provide a surgical weight loss program offering a variety of surgical options for our patients. We guide our patients through the entire process, providing 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.

When it comes down to it, this 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 like.

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