Bariatric & Metabolic Weight Loss

You must be older than 18 and in good enough health for surgery. You must also be willing to make long-term lifestyle changes.

The whole process to enroll in our program and have surgery generally takes three to six months, and may depend on your insurance coverage or what is needed to prepare you for surgery.

For insurance to cover your surgery, your BMI generally has to be greater than 40, or 35 with medically related conditions.

We ask that you call your health insurance company to find out if weight loss surgery is covered and any requirements you will need to complete prior to your procedure.

Call the telephone number on your membership card and use the following as a guide to help you get a clear idea of your coverage. Take note of the date and time of your call, representative spoken to, and reference number of representative. Here is a list of questions to ask your insurance provider before surgery:

• Is bariatric (weight loss) surgery covered under my insurance plan if I meet all the criteria needed to have surgery?


• Is North Memorial Health – Robbinsdale Hospital in network and covered under my insurance plan?


• Is laparoscopic __________(insert name of surgery) covered? Choose from: Roux-en-y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy


• Is nutrition counseling a covered service?


• What is my maximum out-of-pocket?


• What is my deductible?

This varies by insurance, and depends on your deductible.

In some cases, we offer financing for bariatric surgery. Call 763-581-4364 for more information.

The average patient may lose about 60 percent of their excess body weight with sleeve gastrectomy surgery and about 65 percent with gastric bypass. Your surgery is considered a success if you lose more than 50 percent of your excess body weight and keep it off.

Risk of death from bariatric surgery is less than 1 percent, and lower than that of other common surgeries, such as hip replacement. It's about the same as gallbladder surgery. Successful bariatric surgery can reduce your long-term risk of death, including being 90 percent less likely to die from diabetes, about 60 percent less likely to die of cancer-related death, and 50 percent less likely to die of heart disease. Your life expectancy may actually increase by about 7 to 10 years.

Any weight loss is difficult, whether it is diet and exercise alone, or undergoing bariatric surgery to help you lose weight. Obesity is a disease that makes losing weight difficult and can make weight-related conditions worse. Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease with genetic and environmental components. Surgery is the most durable and proven way to lose significant amounts of weight and keep it off.

It's much more complex than a drug or alcohol addiction. Unlike drugs or alcohol, food is a necessity. Obesity also causes changes that increase the risk of further weight gain.

Many times, weight loss surgery can put your Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea into remission—but it is complicated.

Results can vary from person to person. Consult with your surgeon regarding your weight-related medical conditions and how weight loss surgery can help you.

Most people are successful, as they lose more than 50 percent of their excess body weight and keep it off. Key in your success is dedication to a new lifestyle and follow-up with the bariatric program.

North Memorial Health offers medical weight loss through primary care. If you are unable to lose weight through medical management or if you have diabetes, sleep apnea, or GERD with a BMI > 35, your primary care provider may refer you to our surgical weight loss program.

Laboratory tests and imaging studies will depend on the patient. All patients need some blood tests. Some may need more tests. For example, people who take blood thinners may need additional lab testing. All women of child-bearing age will have a pregnancy test. Some people may have imaging tests such a gallbladder ultrasound, EGD (upper endoscopy), and colonoscopy. People who snore a lot and are drowsy during the day may need a sleep study to check for sleep apnea.

Laparoscopic or robotic: Once you are able to take one ounce every 15 minutes for a few hours and up ambulating independently, you will be evaluated for discharge.

Each person’s recovery is different, and the length of stay may vary depending on his or her needs.