Is it time to consider bariatric surgery? If you are severely overweight, this surgery can dramatically impact your health. Surgery can help you lose excess weight, and also improve health problems associated with severe overweight, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
If you choose bariatric surgery, you must be willing to make permanent dietary and lifestyle changes.
Patient Stories
  | Less than two years ago, Karen Pearson weighed 323 pounds and struggled to tie her shoelaces.
Read Karen's story. |
  | Julie's moment of truth came when she couldn't buckle the seatbelt around her waist while go-carting with her son and daughter. Dan was 5'9" and weighed 311 pounds.
Read Dan and Julie's story. |
  | Darcie Mitchell was always aware of her weight and as hard as she tried, she couldn't lose it.
Read Darcie's story. |
Surgery Criteria
The typical bariatric surgery candidate:
- Is at least 18 years old (those younger than 18 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Has a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40
- Has a BMI of at least 35 with obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or sleep apnea
- Has previously tried a non-surgical weight loss program
- Is willing to stick with the lifestyle and nutrition requirements
- Is psychologically stable
- Attend support group sessions following surgery
Visit the National Institutes of Health website for more information about bariatric surgery and to calculate your BMI.
Education
Attending an information session can help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Find out about different bariatric surgery procedures, how the surgery works, what it can do for you, and much more. A friend or family member is also encouraged to attend with you. Attendees will receive a free one-week pass to the Bronson Athletic Club.
2010 information sessions presented by Stuart Verseman, MD
Monday, August 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, September 13, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, October 4, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, November 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, December 6, 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit Classes & Events, or call (269) 341-7723 to register.
Support Group
If you have had or are considering bariatric surgery and would like ongoing support, consider attending our support group.
Testimonials
Want to hear about patients who had bariatric surgery at Bronson?
Read Darcie Mitchell's story!
Read Ralph Balkema's story!
Read Dan and Julie Reisner's story!
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery varies. Many insurance companies that provide reimbursement for bariatric surgery require that patients meet certain selection criteria. If you are considering bariatric surgery, contact your health insurance provider to ask questions about your specific benefits. Bronson Methodist Hospital is not currently credentialed for Medicare or Priority Health for bariatric surgery.
Health Risk Assessments
Learn your risk for a variety of health conditions, including being overweight and weight-related problems. Take our free, confidential health risk assessments today.
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:
- It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
- It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
Use the BMI calculator or tables to estimate your total body fat.
Commonly Used Products
The Outpatient Pharmacy on the campus of Bronson Methodist Hospital now stocks the following items for your convenience:
- Boost Glucose Control in chocolate and vanilla
- Impact Advanced Recovery drink in chocolate and vanilla
- Benefiber
- Beneprotein
Helpful Links
obesityhelp.com
mypyramidtracker.gov
fitday.com
my-calorie-counter.com
bariatricedge.com
obesityaction.org
See WebMD's weight loss surgery video.
