Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
Learn about Swedish Covenant Hospital's weight loss surgery options here.
Q: What are the components of the surgical weight management program at Swedish Covenant Hospital?
Swedish Covenant Hospital's Weight Management program is a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss solution. The program is led by a team of board-certified surgeons and other professionals who are experts in psychology, nutrition, exercise and medicine.
Q: What makes me a candidate for surgery?
You are a candidate for the Weight Management program if:
- Your BMI (body mass index) is between 35 and 40. Find out if your BMI is putting you at risk >
- You have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis
- You have the insurance benefit for bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery)
- You have tried to lose weight unsuccessfully prior to deciding on having a surgical procedure
- You do not drink alcohol and, if you smoke, are willing to quit
Q: After I've made the decision to have surgery, what's my next step?
Your first step will making an appointment for a free consultation with the Weight Management staff. To make an appointment for a free consultation, call (773) 907-7700 or register online >
Next, we will help you determine whether your insurance benefit covers the surgical procedure and health psychology required by most insurance companies. We will also help you get started with the documentation required by your insurance company.
Finally, you will make an appointment for a health psychology evaluation, which will help us assess your preparedness for this lifestyle change, as well as a nutritional evaluation, which allows us to assess your eating habits and get you on the road to improving them.
Q: How do I know if my insurance will pay for surgery?
We recommend you call your insurance company and inquire about your benefits for weight loss surgery. We can assist with this process.
Q: How long does it typically take to get insurance approved?
The wait time can vary from three to 12 months, depending on your insurance company. During the required wait time, you may be participating in nutritional and health psychology evaluations as well as working with your primary care physician to fulfill certain requirements for your insurance company.
Q: How long will I be in the hospital after surgery?
If you have the Laproscopic Gastric Band surgery, you will stay overnight. If you have Gastric Bypass surgery, you will stay three to four days and can usually return to work in four to six weeks, depending on your job.
If you have any questions or would like more information on our Weight Management program, feel free to e-mail weightmanagement@schosp.org or call (773) 907-7700.
