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Allina Bariatrics

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.


American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Lap Band Talk

One of the largest online forums for information on the LAP BAND.


Obesity Help

A popular online magazine and forum for all bariatrics patients and supporters


Bariatric Advantage

An online supplier of bariatric vitamins and supplements.

Barbara Thompson's Life After Surgery News

A free newsletter featuring information and research material to help patients succeed following weight loss surgery.


REALIZE mySUCCESS™

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.

My LAP-BANDŽ Journey

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

Adobe Reader required to download document. Cigna - Healthcare Coverage Position
Adobe Reader required to download document. Healthpartners - Weight Loss Surgery for Obesity Criteria
Adobe Reader required to download document. Medica - Utilization Management Policy - Gastrointestinal Surgery for Morbid Obesity
Adobe Reader required to download document. U Care - Medical Necessity Criteria
Adobe Reader required to download document. Preferred One - Bariatric surgery criteria
Adobe Reader required to download document. United Health Care - Bariatric surgery medical policy
 

 

Unity Hospital Bariatric Center
500 Osborne Road NE, Suite 200
Fridley, MN 55432
763-236-2045
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