Sanford Weight-Loss Surgery

Frequently asked questions

Pre-surgery Surgery Recovery Weight loss

Scarring/reconstructive surgery Post-surgery care Financial/insurance Miscellaneous

Pre-surgery

Do I qualify for surgery?

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:

• Your insurance company has 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 you have health conditions that are treated but not improving. BMI is a body measurement based upon a person's height and weight. Your primary care phsyician can calculate your BMI or you can find it on the BMI chart by clicking here.
• Your insurance company may or may not have required that you complete 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.
• Be sure to contact your insurance company and inquire if your specific policy covers weight-loss surgery.
• Insurance companies who do cover weight-loss surgery usually also require that you have a medical need to have surgery, such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea, for example.

How can I start the process to have weight-loss surgery?

• Before you can have an evaluation to be considered for surgery, you are required to attend an informational session. Sanford Health hosts these monthly. Call (701) 323-5300 for more information. For more information click here.
• When the packet of information you received at the information session is completed and returned, you will receive a call to schedule an appointment with the physician to discuss your needs and questions. A referral letter from your primary care physician should be sent to Sanford Health's Weight-Loss Surgery department. This will help in getting reimbursement from your insurance company for the consult charge.
• During the clinic session, if you decide to proceed with the surgery, a review of your medical records will be done, a physical examination will be performed, additional tests may be ordered and a photo will be taken. Your information will then be submitted to your insurance company for preauthorization.
• If and when your insurance company approves you and we have received the approval letter, the nurse will call you to set up a surgery date. The entire process usually takes several months to complete and may require three to four visits to the clinic and/or hospital. Don't get frustrated. You have the rest of your life to reap the benefits of this surgery.

Can pre-op evaluation be done with my family physician?

No. We prefer that your pre-op evaluation be done by the Sanford Weight-Loss team. Your primary care physician will be notified of your care.

Why do I have to attend an information session before surgery?

To learn more about the surgery and to assure you are making the right decision at the right time. It makes you a more informed patient and facilitates your care. It is highly advisable to bring friends and family members with you to the meeting.

Is there a waiting list to have surgery?

Yes. We are booked around one month in advance, but if there is a reason you need to have surgery by a certain date, that can be discussed.

How long does it take from the time I turn my paperwork in to the scheduled date of surgery?

Once we receive your paperwork, we verify your insurance and schedule you for a consultation. After that, it depends on how long it takes for your insurance company to approve your surgery. Once they approve the treatment, it is just a matter of scheduling the pre-op work and the surgery. Please allow three weeks after submitting your papers before you call to check the status.

Psychological evaluation physician

Bismarck Sanford Health Behavioral Health (701) 323-6543 Richard Arndorfer, PhD John Collins, PhD Peter Peterson, PhD Independent advanced practice providers Elsa Remer, MD—(701) 323-9500 Ed Kehrwald, PhD—(701) 224-1897 Christine Kuchler, PhD—(701) 224-1897 Terri Hanson, PhD—(701) 323-0924

Dickinson Robert Baer—(701) 483-9720 Shelly Goodrich—(701) 225-1050 Carrington John Collins, PhD—(800) 526-8648 Devils Lake Greg Volk, PhD—(701) 662-1911 (This advanced practice provider also sees patients in Rugby and Williston. Call number above to make an appointment.) Grand Forks Keith Erickson, MD—(701) 775-2500 Thomas Peterson, MD—(701) 775-2500 Jamestown Sanford Health 2nd Ave. Clinic John Collins, PhD—(800) 526-8648 Minot Timothy Eaton, PhD—(701) 839-0474 Julie Rickert, PhD—(701) 858-6700

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