Is bariatric surgery right for me?
People who are considered good candidates for weight loss surgery meet both of the following criteria:

1. They weigh at least 100 pounds above their ideal body weight or have a BMI of 40. Exceptions have been made for patients with coexisting medical problems who are almost 100 pounds above their ideal body weight with a BMI higher than 35.
2. They have failed serious attempts at weight loss such as physician-prescribed diets, behavior modification, counseling with a dietitian, or enrollment in group weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, or Overeaters Anonymous.

What kinds of bariatric procedures do you perform?
Our surgeons are qualified to perform all weight loss surgery procedures. The most frequently requested procedures are adjustable banded gastroplasty (Lap-Band®) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. You can learn more about these procedures here.

Will my insurance cover the procedure and pre- and post-op care?
We will not know the answer to this until we contact your insurance company. Insurance approval must be obtained prior to your pre-operative appointment is scheduled. Our team can assist you with the approval process required by an insurance carrier. Some common reasons why the surgery is not approved include:

1. Lack of adequate documentation that a medically supervised diet has failed.
2. Patient does not meet weight criteria.
3. Patient does not have significant weight-related medical problems; as defined by their insurance company.
4. Patient has specific medical condition(s) or other circumstances that are contraindicated for weight loss surgery.
5. Insurance does not allow out-of-network facilities or doctors.
6. Lack of documentation of psychological, nutritional or medical clearances.

You also have the option to forego insurance. Self-pay rates are available from both Drexel Surgical Associates and Hahnemann University Hospital.

How do I begin?
You may attend and informational session (click here to visit Hahnemann's website for details), or call 215-762-4890 to make an evaluation appointment with a surgeon.