Frequently Asked Questions

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patients feels satisfied with less food. While every patient's health needs vary, this surgery is intended for people who have not had success with other weight loss methods such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. 

Body Mass Index is a measure used to determine a person's weight classification based on their current height and weight. BMI also allows health care professionals and patients to better understand health issues associated with a specific weight classification.

You can calculate your BMI and view your health classification here.

There are two definitions for a co-morbid condition (or, comorbidity): the presence of one or more disorder or disease in addition to a primary disorder or disease; or, the presence of a disorder or disease that is caused by or otherwise related to another condition in the same person.

Often, the primary disease of morbid obesity can lead to several co-morbid conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Fatty liver disease
• Infertility

As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks, but the benefits of bariatric surgery far outweigh the risks. However, weight loss surgery is safe and effective for helping patients lose excess weight; in fact, studies show that bariatric surgery is safer than gallbladder surgery or having a knee replacement.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, patients who have bariatric surgery have a reduction in their risk of death from obesity by 40%. Death related to diabetes is reduced by more than 90% and from heart disease by more than 50% for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery.

Check out our FREE online Bariatric Seminar — this course covers more about bariatric surgery, the risks and benefits of each type of surgery we offer!

Every patient's health needs are different and not everyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. Typically, patients with a high body mass index (BMI) qualify for bariatric surgery. You can calculate your BMI, here.

You may be a candidate if:

• Your BMI is 35 or greater and you are living with another comorbidity (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
• Your BMI is 40 or greater and you do not have any other diagnosed illness

Our care team will work with you to determine if surgery is right for you.

Because every insurance policy is unique, the answer is "it depends." Typically, most insurance companies will pay for all, or part of the surgery and our care team will work with you to verify your insurance benefits and will help you through the process to ensure you receive the best coverage possible. 

Most insurances also require that your surgery be done at an accredited program and Saint Agnes Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery program is accredited under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). 

Every patient's case is different so your length of stay after surgery may vary. Typically, your hospital stay will be one to two days, often depending on the type of procedure you had.

Our care team is here to support you through your entire journey—even after surgery. We follow up with you closely in periodic visits throughout the first year after surgery. From there, our care team will see you at least annually to make sure you're continuing to thrive. Our program is lifelong and designed to support your bariatric surgery needs including: monitoring your blood work annually and supporting you with proper vitamin and mineral supplementation, nutrition and lifestyle.

We offer Online Support Groups to give you a chance to not only stay connected with our program but meet a community of others who keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together, and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience.

Patients in our program can also make appointments as needed for additional support!

For people living with obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool. And while our team will be there to support you by providing tools and resources through your journey, you'll need to put those plans to action to truly experience long-term success. By making lifestyle changes like creating a regular exercise routine and healthy meal planning, many patients are able to make a long-term change for better health.