Emergency care close to home
Our bariatric surgeons and weight management care teams know how difficult it can be to lose weight. At Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Bariatric Center in Mequon, Wisconsin, we take the time to get to know you. We listen to understand your health concerns. Then, we create a personalized weight-loss plan that’s right for you. From diet and exercise to surgery and recovery, we’re here with you every step of the way. Your weight-loss journey starts with viewing a weight-loss seminar video. Our seminars help you learn about your weight-loss options, what to expect, how to modify your lifestyle and more. Weight-loss seminars are available at no charge to you.
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Weight-loss programs and procedures
At Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Bariatric Center, we offer many weight-loss services, including:
- Gastric band adjustment, conversion and care
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Revisions of previous weight-loss surgeries
- Medically supervised weight management
- Medical nutrition therapy, counseling and support
When you choose Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Bariatric Center for your weight-loss program, you are choosing to get personalized care in a supportive environment. Your surgery will be done at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital - Ozaukee Campus. Our team of weight-loss doctors, bariatric surgeons, dieticians and weight-loss specialists work together with one goal in mind - to help you live a healthier and happier life.
Excellence in Quality
We’ve been recognized by several of the nation's top reviewing boards for quality of care, clinical excellence and outstanding outcomes. These include:
- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
- Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine status for meeting MBSAQIP standards for both surgical and non-surgical obesity care
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery
- Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence (COE)
- Aetna Institutes of Quality® (IOQ) Bariatric Surgery network
In order to meet the requirements, our program has met guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. These designations are based on patient volume and outcomes. They demonstrate to the public and the insurance industry the highest standard of patient care.
Weight-loss before and after surgery
You will have a network of support before, during and after your weight-loss surgery. During your journey, you’ll have follow-up visits with your doctor and care team at a location near you. At Ascension in Wisconsin, we also offer bariatric support groups, exercise and fitness programs that fit your capabilities and weight-loss counseling. Your success is important to us.
Insurance coverage
Your health insurance paves the way for your weight-loss journey. Bariatric surgery is an elective procedure, so it is important you understand what is and is not covered by your insurance plan. Our insurance coordinator can help explain your pre-approval requirements and submit you for coverage. Most insurance plans require you to participate in a weight-loss trial under a doctor’s supervision. They may also request documents that show that your weight has been a long-term health issue.
Before working with our insurance coordinator, we highly recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your bariatric surgery coverage and any plan limitations. Here are some common questions you can ask:
- Is bariatric surgery covered on my insurance plan or is it an exclusion?
- What requirements do I need to meet to qualify for surgery?
- What is my deductible? What are my out of pocket costs? Is my deductible applied to my out of pocket?
- What CPT codes are covered by my insurance for bariatric weight-loss surgery?
- What type of weight-loss documentation do I need to qualify for surgery?
- Do I need a pre-surgery psychiatric evaluation? Is this covered?
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for weight-loss surgery?
The National Institutes of Health set criteria to determine who will qualify for weight-loss surgery. Patients with a BMI greater than 40 qualify for surgery, and patients with a BMI from 35-39.9 with weight-related health conditions may also qualify for surgery. Patients also have had to try losing weight by other methods before pursuing surgery.
Are there things that I will need to do before my surgery?
Yes. When you come into your consultation, you will meet with one of our surgeons, registered dietitian, and program coordinator. Your program coordinator will let you know what you need before surgery. You will have to complete a psychological evaluation and a medical clearance from your primary care doctor.
Can someone come with me to my appointments?
Absolutely. We encourage you to bring a support person with you to any and all of your appointments. Surgery is a lifestyle change so having a support person to help you through the process is very helpful.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Patients spend an average of one to two days in the hospital following bariatric surgery. Your surgeon will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital based on your progress.
How long will I be off work post-surgery?
Your recovery period post-surgery will vary on the type of surgery and type of work duties you perform. This will be determined with your care team during the pre-surgical preparation process.
Will I have a lot of pain/discomfort?
Post-surgical pain is to be expected but will be significantly less with our minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our care teams will individualize your pain management based on your post-surgical needs. You may be prescribed medication to help manage your pain.
Do I have to exercise right after surgery?
You will meet with a physical therapist before surgery to design an exercise program that is right for you. Your surgeon will determine when it is right for you to start your exercise program.
Do I have to follow a special diet after surgery? Will I be able to eat the same way I do now?
You will meet with a specially trained registered dietician during your consultation and attend an education class prior to surgery. Your registered dietician will guide you through the special diets required before and after bariatric surgery.
Will I have hunger pains?
Every person’s journey is different. We will provide you with tools, resources and education to help make sure that your journey is comfortable and successful.
Will I have to take vitamins?
All procedures require some vitamin supplementation. Our team will help customize your vitamin regimen to meet your special needs.
Will the weight-loss from my bariatric surgery last?
Weight-loss surgery is a tool to help you lose weight. No matter which procedure a person chooses, each of them requires a lifestyle change in order to be successful. This includes following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, following-up regularly with a physician, and attending support group meetings. Typically, a person’s success is directly related to their commitment to the post-surgical program and recommendations. The surgical process is only part of the overall equation. It is the long-term lifestyle changes that keep patients at a healthy weight. We have a dedicated team to help you stay committed to your new lifestyle.