Starting Weight Loss Surgery

Choosing Bariatric Surgery

We know that weight loss surgery is a big and often complex decision. There's no shortage of information about weight loss procedures available, but it's not always clear how to progress through the consideration process. So we've created a simple path that shows how you can get started.

Although these steps do not mention everything you will have to do before surgery, it's a good start. Attending an information seminar is one of the most important steps for everyone. Once you begin working with a weight loss surgeon and his or her bariatric surgery clinic, you will receive specific instructions.

1. Find out if you're a candidate for surgery. There are many different factors that affect your ability to qualify for bariatric surgery. One of the most important factors is your body mass index (BMI). Other factors include your age, obesity-related comorbid conditions, and previous attempts at weight loss. Weight loss surgery can be an effective weight loss tool, but it isn't for everyone. Find out if you're a candidate.

2. Attend an information seminar. We encourage everyone considering bariatric surgery to attend a free information seminar hosted by a bariatric clinic that offers the REALIZE^® Solution^† for gastric banding, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy. You'll learn about surgical options and you'll meet bariatric team members who will support you before and long after your surgery. You may also hear from patients who have had weight loss surgery. There's no pressure to make a commitment—and no better way to get the answers you're looking for. Attending an information seminar is often required before you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a surgeon to discuss your surgical options.

   Learn more about weight loss surgery information seminars.

3. Find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery. Because health insurance coverage for weight loss surgery varies, it's important to carefully examine your own plan.

   We'll show you how to sort through the insurance process to find out if you have bariatric surgery insurance coverage and what to do if you are denied coverage.

4. Choose a surgeon. Your weight loss surgeon will perform the procedure—and be part of your support team for years to come—so it's important for you to feel at ease with him or her. Take the time to look for a well-qualified surgeon and to ask all of your questions of the surgeon and staff. Be sure to ask how they will use the REALIZE mySUCCESS^® Program to help you achieve your goals.

   Get more information about what to look for in a bariatric surgeon.

5. Sign up for the REALIZE mySUCCESS^® Program. This Web-based clinical support tool is an integral part of the
   REALIZE Solution^† for gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. REALIZE mySUCCESS^® is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight. It helps you adjust to your new lifestyle, teaches new, healthy habits, lets you track your progress, and keeps you connected to your bariatric practice, allowing your surgeon to step in precisely when needed to keep you on track.

   It has been shown that REALIZE^® Band patients who frequently use REALIZE mySUCCESS^® lose significantly more weight.^*

   Anyone considering bariatric surgery is invited to start using REALIZE mySUCCESS^®.

   Learn more about REALIZE mySUCCESS^® presurgery access.

   Enroll in REALIZE mySUCCESS^® now.