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All patients considering surgery undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Your surgeon may order evaluations by a pulmonologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist or dietician. Together, the patient and surgeon will take steps to determine if surgery is the right choice. Ultimately, the final decision is made by the surgeon regarding:
Qualifications for Weight Loss SurgeryNational Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements for Weight Loss surgery
BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator AssessmentBMI is the relationship between a person’s weight and height. It is useful in determining the degree to which a person’s body weight may impact their risk for disease or death. Next Steps
If you’re considering weight loss surgery and would like more information, contact one of our Sanford Clinic Surgical Associates professionals to schedule an appointment. Getting StartedThe decision to undergo weight loss surgery deserves much thought, a complete understanding and acceptance of the lifestyle and dietary changes resulting from the procedure, and thorough knowledge of the benefits and potential risks of the surgery. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Sanford Clinic Surgical Associates offers periodic monthly informational seminars for individuals who are considering weight loss surgery. Currently, Sanford offers the following weight loss surgery options to consider: Cost / InsuranceInsurance companies offer varied coverage for weight loss surgery. This can depend on the individual policy and employer. If your insurance company covers weight loss surgery, there may be co-pays and deductible costs involved. It is best to know these costs beforehand. Our insurance specialists will be happy to help you navigate your insurance policy. If your insurance policy does not cover weight loss surgery, there are self-pay and financing options available. Our insurance specialists will be happy to discuss these options at the appropriate time. Next StepsIf you’re considering weight loss surgery and would like more information, contact one of our Sanford Clinic Surgical Associates professionals to schedule an appointment. Prior to the first appointment, you must fill out all of the forms listed below and bring each of the forms with you to your appointment. FormsSet-Up AppointmentTo schedule an appointment or for more information on weight loss surgery, please contact us at 605-328-3840 or 1-800-727-0670. Sanford Clinic Surgical Associates Step 1: Call for appointmentOur weight loss surgeons are happy to see you to discuss weight loss surgery options. After scheduling an appointment, information will be mailed to you about surgeries that you may read prior to coming. During your initial evaluation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, medication list and previous attempts at weight loss. Surgical options will be reviewed with you, as well as the risks and benefits of the surgery chosen after discussion. It is helpful to have a support person with your during your appointment. Step 2: Verification of InsurancePrior to your initial consultation with the surgeon you should verify coverage for weight loss surgery with your insurance company. Once you have seen the surgeon our insurance specialists will guide you through the insurance process. Patients will be given instructions as to what requirements are needed under their particular insurance policy. If your insurance policy has a direct exclusion or you do not meet the insurance company’s criteria, our team will assist with an appeal when applicable or provide information regarding self pay options and financing. Step 3: Pre-operative TestingAfter your appointment, there may be some tests or procedures that need to be done to prepare you for surgery. Depending on your medical history, this may include blood tests, lung tests, endoscopies (using a camera to look inside your stomach or colon) or X-rays. Other physicians may be asked to be involved in your care, including Pulmonologists, Cardiologists or Endocrinologists. Your primary care physician will be notified of their involvement with our weight loss surgeons and be asked to participate if needed. Step 4: Schedule SurgeryAfter insurance approval, you will be notified to schedule surgery. Step 5: Preoperative TeachingYou will attend a two hour class with our Weight Loss Nurse Coordinator, Dietician and Pharmacist before your surgery. This class reviews what to expect before, during and after surgery. Your medication list is evaluated by the pharmacist and recommendations are made regarding changes, as medications will need to be crushed initially after surgery. The Weight Loss Nurse Coordinator reviews the operative procedure, as well as what to expect after surgery. The dietician instructs you on how your diet will change both immediately after surgery and long-term. It is recommended you bring a member of your support system to this class so you have optimal support throughout your weight loss surgery process. Step 6: Surgical ProcedureYou will be admitted to the hospital the day of your surgery. Surgery may take 1-2 hours, depending on the procedure. You can expect to stay in the hospital overnight with a Lap-Band, and 1-2 nights with the Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. You will be encouraged to walk in the hallways the day of your surgery, and you may start drinking liquids as well. The Weight Loss Nurse Coordinator and dietician will visit with you while you are in the hospital to review your diet and activity after surgery. Your bedside nurse will give you your medications and assist you with walking, as well as monitor your post-operative progress. You will be sent home with follow-up appointments scheduled with your surgeon. Step 7: Follow upFollow up is necessary to ensure success of your surgery. You will have an initial appointment 2 weeks after surgery to monitor your healing process. Follow up after this will depend on the weight loss procedure done and will include appointments with our dietician and exercise physiologist. Sanford USD Medical Center Campus Map
 For more information on weight loss surgery or schedule an appointment, please contact us at: 605-328-3840 or 1-800-727-0670. Maps & DirectionsSanford Clinic Surgical Associates is located in the Surgical Tower on the Sanford USD Medical Center campus. Address: Sanford USD Medical Center Contact UsSend Us An Email ParkingAmple parking is available in the parking lot or in the south parking ramp, south and south of the Surgical Tower which can be accessed from 22nd Street or Lake Avenue. Valet parking is also available.
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