The Bariatric Surgery Program offers several surgical options, as well as ongoing education and support for every patient. Our services include:

• Surgery
  • Gastric banding
  • Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
  • Revision bariatric surgery
• Informational seminars
• Patient resources, including a certified bariatric registered nurse that will help guide patients along their weight loss journey
• Family resources
• Support groups
• Nutrition education
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Pre-op physician-supervised weight loss program
• Exercise, yoga and body conditioning information

According to guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if at least one of the following applies to you:

• You weigh 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight
• Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40, or greater than 35 if you also have a serious weight-related health condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea or hypertension
• You have weight-related problems and restrictions in mobility, work and performance of family responsibilities
• Calculate BMI

St. Joseph Hospital's Bariatric Surgery Program surgical prerequisites include the following:

• You must be between 18 and 65 years old.
• You must have no history of drug or alcohol abuse within the past three years.
• You must be a non-smoker.
• You must undergo a medical evaluation and workup to ensure that you are in the best possible condition prior to surgery.
• You must undergo a psychiatric evaluation for stability and demonstrate a clear understanding of the procedure, responsibilities, reasonable outcomes and post-surgical expectations and guidelines.
• You must undergo a series of dietary education classes and complete all classes prior to your surgery date.
• You must demonstrate a commitment and readiness for a lifestyle change before surgery by modifying behavior and eating habits to ensure successful, long-term weight loss
• You must be willing to participate fully in our multidisciplinary bariatric program.
• You must agree to long-term follow up with your bariatric surgeon after your weight loss surgery.

Our experienced bariatric surgeons have performed nearly 3,000 bariatric procedures, and work with a multidisciplinary team to help you achieve long-term weight loss success. Our team of experts includes:

• Surgeon
• Psychiatrist/psychologist
• Registered dietitian
• Physical therapist
• Exercise physiologist
• Meditation/spirituality specialist
• Acute-care surgical and post-op team
• Program coordinator

After you watch the webinar, check your insurance plan to ensure your policy covers weight loss surgery at Providence hospitals. While many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery, it’s important to understand your benefits – and how to receive them.