Qualifying for Surgery
Why Consider Weight Loss Surgery?
Obesity is a disease; it is not a personal failure. Most of our patients tried for years to lose weight on their own with traditional diet and exercise before seeking experienced medical help. This frustrating cycle of “yo-yo dieting” is does not indicate personal failure but the resistance of a person’s metabolism to allow weight loss. Often, people reach a tipping point where they recognize they may need more help.
Our surgeons and staff know how demoralizing and frustrating these repeated attempts at weight loss can be. We work closely with patients to halt the cycle of futile repeated dieting and the resulting in harm to self-esteem, quality of life, and the detrimental health impacts of remaining obese. If this resonates with you or a loved one, weight loss surgery may make sense.
Our surgeons and staff know how demoralizing and frustrating these repeated attempts at weight loss can be. We work closely with patients to halt the cycle of futile repeated dieting and the resulting in harm to self-esteem, quality of life, and the detrimental health impacts of remaining obese. If this resonates with you or a loved one, weight loss surgery may make sense.
How Do I know If I Qualify for Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is an option for many
people to keep the pounds off and prevent related medical issues, including
cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. National guidelines that insurance companies in the United States follow require a body mass index (BMI) of either:
- BMI of 40 or more
- BMI of 35 PLUS a medical condition caused by weight (these are called comorbidities). These comorbidities, defined by your insurance company, could include sleep apnea, diabetes, reflux, high blood pressure, or other health issues
- Guidance continues to change. If you do not meet the exact criteria, you may still be eligible
- Our team will help determine your eligibility and appropriate surgery based on your needs
Your Journey to Overcome Obesity Starts Here.
The first step to achieve your weight-loss goals is to register for a free information session.
Qualifying for Surgery
Qualifications for weight-loss surgery is based on national guidelines from the National Institute of Health and American College of Surgeons. To qualify, an individual must possess BMI and *PLUS weight-related comorbidity:
The First Step:
Information Session
The first step to achieving your weight-loss goals is to register for a free information session. Emerson Health’s bariatric surgeons and Center for Weight Loss team members provide an overview of the surgical weight loss program, including a description of the surgical weight loss procedure options available, how they work, and their risks and benefits.
