Weight-loss surgery

How do I know if weight-loss surgery is for me?

Bree Dewing, MD

Research shows that diet and exercise fail 95 percent of the time for those who are 100 pounds or more overweight. However, weight-loss surgery patients typically lose between 50 percent and 80 percent of excess weight during the first 12 to 18 months. Depending on the type of surgery, most weight loss can occur within the first six months. Aside from the direct benefit of weight-loss, which brings increased mobility and energy, patients typically see a reduction or elimination of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar problems and the expense of the medications that go with treating them.

Surgery approval process

Sanford Health helps guide you through the weight-loss surgery approval process. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, reviewing the following requirements will be helpful:

• Be sure to contact your insurance company and inquire if your specific policy covers weight-loss surgery.
• Insurance companies require that you have a medical need to have surgery, such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea, for example.
• Insurance companies have established criteria that would qualify you for weight-loss surgery. Generally, you must be at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. Some insurance companies give consideration for patients with a BMI of 35 or greater if they have health conditions that are treated but not improving.
• Your insurance company may or may not have required that you completed a medically supervised diet plan. This usually means that your primary care doctor has documented that he or she has followed you for weight-loss counseling.

To schedule an appointment with Bree Dewing, MD, or for more information on weight-loss surgery, call (701) 323-5300. Dr. Dewing, a general surgeon and weightloss surgeon, is a native of Bismarck.