Surgical Weight Management

Weight Loss Surgery in Minnesota

If you are struggling with excess weight, bariatric surgery may be a solution. CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital and CentraCare – Monticello are both accredited by MBSAQIP as a national bariatric surgery center of excellence.

What does this accreditation mean for you?

• Surgeon and staff training had a focus on outcomes and long-term success.
• Our operating rooms, facilities and technology have met the national standards for providing safe, high-quality care.
• Our care plans have been thoroughly reviewed – from both before the surgery to the years following – to ensure they provide you with dignity and respect.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in reducing diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other conditions related to weight. There has never been a better time to pursue bariatric surgery. When done in combination with weight loss medications, the odds of keeping obesity at bay have greatly improved.

How do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
• BMI of 35 or greater with an obesity related disease such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and others. Calculate your BMI.

Check with your insurance company about the specific criteria for weight loss surgery in your health plan.

Our surgical weight management program includes:
• Clinician monitoring of progress, medications and lab results
• Registered dietitian assistance with the creation of personalized and family-friendly meal plans
• Metabolic testing
• Weight loss medications
• Meal alternatives products
• Shared medical appointments

What are my weight loss surgery options?

At CentraCare, we offer two weight loss procedures: gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.

How much does weight loss surgery cost?

Bariatric/metabolic surgery is covered by most insurance plans.

What are weight loss surgery requirements?

Pre-Op Weight Loss

At your initial appointment, we will take your weight and height to determine your BMI. From this day forward, you will focus on weight loss, nutrition and lifestyle changes to prepare for a successful surgery.

Nutrition Evaluation

You will meet with one of our dietitians prior to surgery to assist you in understanding the diet and lifestyle changes recommended after surgery. Most insurance companies require three to six documented monthly dietitian visits prior to authorizing weight loss surgery.

Psychology Evaluation

You will meet with a psychologist who specializes in weight loss surgery evaluations. The evaluation will include an interview, psychological testing and a review of your test results.

How soon after my first appointment will I have my weight loss surgery?

The process usually takes about six months from your first visit. During this time, you will complete a psychological assessment, meet frequently with the registered dietitian and complete other insurance requirements.

How long will I be in the hospital after weight loss surgery?

Patients typically stay one night in the hospital after bariatric surgery.

Will I have scars after weight loss surgery?

After the incisions have healed, your scars will look like small scratches. These scars first appear pink. Over the next few months, they will become less and less noticeable.

Will I have pain after weight loss surgery?

Mild discomfort at the incision sites is common. We will prescribe pain medications to help.

Will I be hungry after weight loss surgery?

Most say no. During the first 3-6 months, most do not have an appetite. Appetite gradually returns.

Can I regain weight after weight loss surgery?

It is possible to regain weight after all weight loss surgeries. The chance of weight regain is greatly reduced if a complete lifestyle change is embraced, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Will I need to change my diet after weight loss surgery?

You will follow a full liquid diet for two weeks after surgery. Your diet texture will gradually progress from pureed to soft over the next month and finally to regular foods at about three months after surgery. Once you progress to the regular diet, we recommend protein and fiber foods at every meal. Other nutrition recommendations will be discussed during your dietitian visits. The most noted change is smaller portions.

Will I need vitamin supplements after weight loss surgery?

Patients must take lifelong multivitamins/minerals, calcium and vitamin B12 supplements. The number of supplements daily depends on the surgery. Check with your dietitian for specific needs.

Will I be able to drink alcohol after weight loss surgery?

After undergoing weight loss surgery, you will find that even small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. Alcohol is a high-calorie beverage that should be consumed infrequently or not at all.

Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?

We recommend women wait at least 18-24 months after surgery before becoming pregnant. Your weight and nutrition status will likely be stable at this point. Fertility may increase with weight loss. Please talk with your primary care provider about birth control.

Will I have excess skin after weight loss surgery?

Many factors will affect how much excess skin you have after weight loss. These factors include genetics, age, skin elasticity and the amount of weight lost. Some people choose to have surgery to remove excess skin. Insurance companies typically do not pay for these types of surgeries, unless complications arise from the excess skin folds.

Will I have to change my medications after weight loss surgery?

Many conditions improve or resolve after weight loss surgery. These conditions include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc. It is possible your medications will be decreased or discontinued.

Will I have hair loss after weight loss surgery?

Patients may experience hair loss due to the rapid loss of weight and reduced nutritional intake. This may occur for up to one year after surgery. Normal hair growth will eventually return.

How often do I need to follow up with my doctor after weight loss surgery?

You will have office visits at two weeks, four weeks, three months, six months, 12 months and yearly.

When can I return to work after weight loss surgery?

Most patients return to work two to six weeks after surgery.

Learn more

To learn more about CentraCare Weight Management surgery options, watch our overview videos.