About Weight Loss Surgery
Obesity can have a negative affect on one’s overall health, contributing to a number of chronic conditions.
Losing weight surgically – and keeping it off – is a journey. Crouse Health’s Weight Loss Surgery program offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to bariatric surgery, helping patients in their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Our multidisciplinary team offers an individualized program to meet each patient’s specific needs and goals. To ensure patient satisfaction and long-term success, our program includes extensive patient education and ongoing support group activity with others who have had the surgery and long-term clinical follow-up.
Are You a Candidate?
To be a candidate for bariatric surgery at Crouse, a person must be at least 18 years of age and have a BMI – body mass index – of 40 or greater (or a BMI of 35 or greater with additional medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or heart disease).
The Screening Process
Patients considering weight loss surgery at Crouse undergo a comprehensive screening process to determine the appropriate choice of weight loss method. Upon completion of the initial patient medical assessment, our bariatric team will coordinate consultations with the appropriate medical team members. All medical tests and consultations are tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
During the screening process you will:
• Meet members of our bariatric team
• Undergo a thorough review of medical and diet history
• Discuss surgical options in-depth, including risks, benefits and alternatives
• undergo a consultation with a registered dietician and a psychologist
Surgical Options
Two main forms of bariatric surgery continue to offer surgical weight loss success. You will consult extensively with the team to determine which procedure is right for you.
Gastric Bypass
With Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and adds a bypass around a segment of the stomach and small intestine. The resulting pouch is about the size of a walnut and can hold only about an ounce of food. This option allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food. This procedure is usually done laparoscopically.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a relatively new form of bariatric weight loss surgery. During the surgery about 75 percent of the stomach is removed so that it takes on the shape of a sleeve. This option is performed minimally invasively and is becoming a popular choice for many patients.
Cost of Surgery/Insurance Coverage
Surgical weight loss is an intensive journey requiring both dedication and financial commitment. Insurance companies consider bariatric surgery to be “elective surgery.” You should first call your insurance company and ask if your policy covers bariatric surgery. Crouse and your surgeon’s office will work to help you understand and meet the requirements of your insurance coverage, including providing necessary documentation and obtaining appropriate authorizations.
