Bariatric Surgery Resources
When you're a patient at Unity Hospital, weight loss surgery is not a journey you take alone. The most successful patients are those with a large support system to motivate and help them along. Here are some helpful resources for pre-surgery planning, and post-surgery success.
Support Groups
The Unity Hospital Bariatric Center offers a variety of weight loss surgery support groups throughout the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota. Designed to meet the needs of all patients, our support group options include:
- New patient support groups
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band support groups
- Support groups for men
- Support groups for patients who had surgery more than one year ago
- Bariatric exercise programs
Unity also offers a support group for patients who may need help getting or staying on track, one of the few "find your weigh" programs around in Minnesota. See a list of all support group options and sign up to participate here.
BMI Chart
A Body Mass Index, or BMI is a ratio of your height and weight. While there are other factors to consider, BMI is one measurement of health, and a factor in eligibility for weight surgery. Calculate your BMI.
Unity Bariatric Center online community
NEW! The Unity Bariatric Center is excited to announce our new Bariatric Surgery Network. Whether you are looking to connect with other patients, ask questions in the discussion forum, share photos and recipes, post updates and events - the Network is a safe place to get information and support about weight loss surgery. Patients, supporters and those considering surgery are all welcome. Join the conversation today.
Online forums and tools
Independent resources to support patients on their journey before and after their surgery. These sites are not affiliated with Unity Hospital or Allina Hospitals & Clinics.
One of the largest online forums for information on the LAP BAND.
A popular online magazine and forum for all bariatrics patients and supporters
An online supplier of bariatric vitamins and supplements.
A free newsletter featuring information and research material to help patients succeed following weight loss surgery.
An interactive tool for REALIZE™ Band patients. Track your progress in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being before and after surgery.
An online tool for LAP-BANDŽ patients. Track your measurements, activities and moods as often as you like. This site features checklists, tips and reminders to mark all the steps you've taken.
Nutrition resources
Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Weight loss
Eat healthy
Get fit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight - It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!
National Institutes of Health: Weight control information network (NIDDK)
US Department of Agriculture:Food pyramid
The Daily Plate: Helping you eat smarter
My Calorie Counter: Free online diet and exercise journal
Fit Day
Healthy Dining Finder
Insurance links
Eligibility for weight loss surgery may vary by insurance provider. Please check with your provider to see if you meet these criteria. Here are some helpful links to insurance requirements and other weight loss surgery resources:
Aetna - Clinical Policy Bulletin: Obesity Surgery
BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota - Medical and Behavioral Health Policy Manual - Surgery for Morbid Obesity
Empire BlueCross BlueShield - Medical Policies
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois - Medical Policies
BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts - Medical and Surgical Management of Obesity
Horizon BlueCross BlueShield of New Jersey - Medical Policy Manual
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield - Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity Criteria
Cigna - Healthcare Coverage Position
Healthpartners - Weight Loss Surgery for Obesity Criteria
Medica - Utilization Management Policy - Gastrointestinal Surgery for Morbid Obesity
U Care - Medical Necessity Criteria
Preferred One - Bariatric surgery criteria
United Health Care - Bariatric surgery medical policy
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