If you are 50 to 100 percent over your ideal body weight, diet and exercise have only a five percent success rate for long term weight loss.  Our program is a proven way to not just help you succeed at weight loss, but live a healthier more active life.

Many health plans cover bariatric surgery.  It’s important to check with your individual plan for benefits and coverage.

There are certain qualifications that must be met, including:

• BMI of 40 or more
• BMI of 35-39.9 plus serious medical conditions such as high cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, Type II diabetes and other serious cardiopulmonary disorders
• Quality of life that’s restricted by severe obesity
• Understanding of the risks and effects of bariatric surgery
• Motivation to make life-long changes to eating and physical activity habits

While the above are general guidelines to qualifying for bariatric surgery, the best way to learn if you are qualified is to talk with your doctor or have a personal consultation at the Tennova Center for Surgical Weight Loss. 

Yes.  For those who must private-pay or self-pay, the cost of bariatric surgery can be very manageable.  If you think the surgery could benefit your life but are concerned about affordability, we encourage you to explore your financial options before giving up.  There are third-party options for affordable financing.  Or, rather than investing in new furniture or a vacation this year, consider investing that money in something far more important: you. 

If you are committed to making it work, the program is proven to work. We help you physically and emotionally prepare for the changes before and after surgery. We don’t just give you a new body; we give you the tools to make your new body realistic, sustainable and enjoyable.

For one year after your surgery, you will have a number of follow-up appointments with your surgeon, nurse, dietitian and nutritionist. Plus, we offer individual and group support with others on the weight- loss journey. And, even as years pass and you meet your goals, we’ll still be here when you need us.

Surgery takes about two hours for the average patient, but some procedures may take longer.

For most people, the average is one or two days.

Most patients have minimally invasive surgery, which can be performed through as few as one or several quarter-inch incisions on your abdomen. In some cases, patient-specific risks do require the use of standard open surgery.

While most patients go back to work within two weeks, the actual length of time will be determined by your surgeon. There are also some restrictions that apply.

After your body has time to adjust to the surgical changes, you can look forward to eating normal, healthy everyday foods again. The difference? You’ll approach food with the knowledge to make better choices about what and how much to eat.

We offer free monthly educational seminars. View our Seminar information.  Please call (865) 694-9676 to register.