Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Who is a Candidate?

Who is a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Candidates for weight loss surgery should meet the following criteria:

• At least 100 pounds overweight or 100 percent above ideal weight
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or 35 with severe weight related health problems
• Severe weight-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or joint, muscle and skeletal problems caused by obesity
• At least 19 years old
• A history of obesity and documented attempts of non-surgical weight-loss treatments that have failed
• No history of substance abuse
• No history of major psychiatric disorders

Patient screening is important and rigorous. Potential patients must complete nutritional, fitness and psychological screenings before undergoing bariatric surgery.

Benefits of Surgery

The impact the weight loss would bring to your overall health should be foremost in your decision to undergo surgery. All weight loss surgeries are considered major surgery and should not be undertaken for cosmetic purposes.

After surgery, most gastric bypass patients lose weight rapidly until 18 to 24 months. Patients might lose 30-to-50 percent of their excess weight in the first six months and 77 percent of excess weight as early as one year after surgery.

Diet and activity level after surgery have an effect on how much weight is lost and the long-term success of the weight loss.

Significant weight loss can improve many obesity related health problems:

• Type 2 Diabetes: 82 – 98% resolved
• Hypertension: 69% resolved
• Depression: 47% reduced
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 74 – 98% resolved
• GERD (reflux): 72% resolved
• Quality of Life: 95% improved

Emotional and social changes are often associated with extreme weight loss. Many patients report that their mood, self-confidence and quality of life improve significantly after surgery.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010.

Life After Surgery

Bariatric surgery requires permanent changes in your eating habits that must be followed for successful weight loss. Your surgeon will determine the diet after gastric bypass surgery that’s most appropriate for you, based on the type of procedure you had performed and your individual health status.

Eating After Surgery

Here are some generally dietary guidelines for a bariatric surgery patient:

• Eat slowly, chew foods very thoroughly, and take small bites
• Only drink fluids between meals, rather than with them
• Drink only decaffeinated beverages that are not carbonated
• Drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation
• Choose low fat, high protein foods
• Do not use high calorie, high sugar, and/or high fat protein supplements or bars
• Eat a balanced diet
• Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement with iron along with a calcium supplement daily
• Avoid alcohol

The Role of Exercise in Your Success

Exercise is also essential to achieve and maintain your weight loss. Prior to surgery the focus is to improve overall mobility, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and establishing an exercise routine to follow after surgery. After surgery your physical therapy appointments are to help you revise your exercise program as you become more fit.

Ongoing Support

To help you through your weight loss journey, Aspirus Bariatrics provides a monthly support group called ALOHA (A Lifetime of Healthy Achievements). This is an opportunity for socialization, education and sharing ideas with others who have been through the surgery.

The ALOHA support group is open to both people who have already had surgery and to those who are still considering it. Family members and friends are also welcome. Members work together to help each other on the journey that weight loss surgery takes us.

Look for more information on these support groups in our Programs & Events area or contact Margee Romportl, RD, CD, or Kristi Fregia Rucks, PT at 888-764-3233.

Events & Private One-On-One Consultations

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You? Attend one of our many informational seminars to find out how weight loss surgery can change your life.

Seminars

When you attend a no-cost seminar you will have the chance to talk to someone who has already had surgery, get information from a Bariatric surgeon, and learn about the insurance requirements for surgery.

Personal Consultations

We know that your weight loss journey is a personal one. You may not be able to come to one of our monthly information session or might be uncomfortable in a large group. That is why we also offer a personal approach with private sessions, scheduled at your convenience.

If you are interested in a personal one-on-one information session to learn about Bariatric surgery options, call our program coordinator Kristi Fregia-Rucks at 715-847-0024 or email her.

Financial & Insurance Info

We will assist you in meeting insurance company requirements, but first, call your insurance company to find out if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit. If yes, we will next provide them with documentation that your surgery is medically necessary due to health issues related to obesity. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your attempts at non-surgical weight loss.

Here are some steps to obtaining insurance coverage:

• Read the “certificate of coverage” that your insurance company is required to give you.
• You might be required to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.
• Bring your organized medical records, including your history of dieting attempts, to the first visit with your bariatric surgeon
• Document all visits to a health care professional for obesity related issues, and visits you make to supervised weight loss programs, diet centers and fitness clubs. Keep good records, including receipts.
• If your surgeon recommends weight loss surgery, we will contact your insurance company for pre-authorization.

If you have an insurance policy that specifically says it excludes payment for bariatric surgery, there are other options. Many patients choose to pay for the operation themselves. We can help you explore payment options.