Weight loss treatment and bariatric surgery in Minnesota

Body Mass Index (BMI) uses your height and weight to assess your health. If a BMI score is 40 or more, that’s considered to be morbidly obese, which may make you a candidate for bariatric surgery. If you have a BMI of 30 to 39 accompanied by serious, obesity-related health problems, you also may be a candidate for surgery or to manage your weight through medication.

Prescription weight loss medications are used in some cases to help control hunger, provide a feeling of fullness or reduce cravings for certain foods. These medications may help address some of the underlying problems that can lead to obesity. For some patients, medications are not appropriate. Our doctors will work with you to understand if medications are right for you.

For patients starting a medical weight management treatment plan, you should begin losing weight soon after you implement your new lifestyle changes and/or medication.

For patients having surgery, weight loss should begin immediately after surgery. Don’t be surprised, however, if you actually weigh a few pounds more when you go home than you did when you entered the hospital. This can be a result of the fluids you were given in the hospital, and you’ll lose the weight quickly.

This varies by individual. We do not set expectations for weight loss because our focus is on improving your health. Weight loss is one way to improve health, but there are many more ways that are independent of the number on the scale. We work to set goals that are customized to you.

This is different for everyone. For some people, the skin will tone up and look fine. In other cases, the skin has stretched too much and may not return to normal. You may be left with sagging skin around your middle or other parts of your body. Some people choose to live with the excess skin, others choose to have it removed. The procedures are usually considered cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance. If excess skin is causing medical problems (such as rashes or sores), your insurance plan may cover the surgery.

Oftentimes, many insurance companies offer coverage for medical weight loss and bariatric surgery. However, coverage varies for each plan. So before making your first consultation appointment, we recommend that you get in touch with your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.