Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?
To qualify for weight loss surgery, you must show evidence that you have tried to lose weight through structured, non-surgical means. This could include health clubs, recognized diet programs, nutritional counseling or medically supervised diets. In addition, you must demonstrate that you have the physical stamina to handle a major operation and will remain committed to a lifelong, lifestyle change.
You qualify for bariatric surgery if you:
Have a body mass index (BMI) over 40, which means approximately 100 pounds overweight or 200 percent of one's ideal body weight as defined by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Table. (Calculate your BMI)
Have a BMI of 35 with one medical co-morbidity (an
obesity-related condition), such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, reflux disease, arthritis or sleep apnea
Are unable to achieve sustained (long-term) weight
loss by dietary/exercise measures alone
Are well-informed of your part in this treatment
option and are committed to the lifelong changes that include diet, exercise
and behavior modifications
Are committed to lifelong follow-up medical care.
Our bariatric specialists also will consider key factors including your:
Weight
Related medical conditions
Ability to comply with therapy
Reaction of family and friends (your support system is critical to your success)
Based on this information, you and your Henry Ford physician will decide on surgery together.
What are some reasons a person should not have weight loss surgery?
You should not have weight loss surgery if:
Are not at the appropriate weight with a BMI greater
than 35
Currently have a drug and/or alcohol addiction
Have been diagnosed with unstable psychiatric
disorders
You have HIV/AIDS or anemic blood disorders
Are looking for an 'easy way out'
Are unwilling to comply with post surgery diet,
exercise and behavior modification techniques
Are unwilling to commit to lifelong follow-up
Why should I choose Henry Ford?
At Henry Ford, we make you part of the team. Our experts will work hand-in-hand with you, to provide the best opportunity for success. We offer:
Board-certified surgeons
A dedicated inpatient unit
An exercise team focused on the severely obese - a
component unique to our program
An extensive pre-qualification orientation session
A full program of behavior modification to help make
your surgery effective
A multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons,
nurses, psychologists, registered dieticians and exercise specialists, all
working toward your success
The backing of Henry Ford Health System, one of the
largest and most experienced health systems in the nation
The Bariatric Surgery Center at Henry Ford Hospital
is designated as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by:
American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Blue Care Network
United Health Care
Cigna
Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Since surgery for morbid obesity is considered a special
category by most insurance companies, it is necessary that you contact your
insurance company before seeking a surgical consultation to see if the operation
is a benefit and if you are eligible for that benefit.
Specifically, you need to ask your insurance company if the procedure code 'CPT code 43846' (open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and 'CPT code 43659' (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is a covered benefit. You need to ask your insurance company what is required in order to provide you with written authorization for the surgery.
Many insurance companies require documentation from your primary care doctor detailing medical conditions (co-morbidities), treatment plans and written proof of supervised failed weight loss attempts with diet and exercise in order to establish whether you have met their insurance criteria. Your primary care doctor will need to generate authorization for surgery. Once we have written authorization for surgery, then we can quickly begin the surgical evaluation process.
How can I get more information?
Call 1-800-HENRY-FORD.
