Frequently Asked Questions about Bariatric Surgery

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Am I a candidate for bariatric gastric bypass or other weight loss surgery options?

People with BMI values over 40 are potential candidates for bariatric surgery. People with obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea may also meet the criteria for bariatric surgery, if they have a BMI between 35 and 40. Take the Fresh Start Bariatrics BMI calculator here.

If you think you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery, start by attending one of our free Fresh Start Bariatrics seminars which are offered in Columbus, Ohio. Click here to register online or call (614) 4-HEALTH (443-2584).

What is my BMI?

Find out what your BMI is by using the Fresh Start Bariatrics BMI Calculator. If your BMI is over 40, you could be a candidate for bariatric surgery in Ohio. Even if your BMI is only between 35 and 40 you are likely to meet the criteria for a weight loss operation if you have obesity related medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea.

Is there financing available for weight loss surgery?

Your insurance carrier may cover some or all of the costs of bariatric surgery. Our Patient Advocate will work with your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage you may receive depending on the surgery option.

If your insurance carrier will not cover your bariatric surgery, there are other financing options. We also offer a package price for self-paying patients and we also accept all major credit cards. Read more about Fresh Start Bariatrics financing and insurance options.

Also, when you attend the free Fresh Start Bariatrics seminar, you may provide information so we can start exploring your insurance coverage options.

What is medically significant obesity?

Medically significant obesity is defined as obesity that either is causing disease or is highly likely to cause disease. Typically this is defined as being greater than one hundred pounds overweight or you could be considered significantly obese if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 40.

Your BMI is calculated as weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared. If you have a BMI between 35 and 40 you may have severe obesity and meet criteria for bariatric surgery. If you have obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and/or obstructive sleep apnea these conditions could also qualify you for bariatric surgery.

World Health Organization Weight Definitions

Ideal Weight               20 - 24.9 BMI

Overweight                  25 – 29.9 BMI

Moderate Obesity         30 – 34.9 BMI

Severe Obesity             35 – 39.9 BMI

Morbid Obesity             40 – 49.9 BMI

Super Morbid Obesity    over 50 BMI

Common health conditions related to obesity include diabetes, hypertension, depression, sleep apnea, joint and back pain, heart disease and increased cancer risk. Find out what your BMI is by using the Fresh Start Bariatrics BMI Calculator.

Is bariatric surgery the only option?

The McConnell Heart Health Center in Columbus, Ohio has an excellent medically supervised Weight Management Membership Program that includes dietary counseling as well as exercise and behavior modification that may be of help to people of size. If you are not sure surgery is right for you, please inquire about this excellent program by calling McConnell Heart Health Center at (614) 566-5356.

There are also very low carbohydrate diets and pharmacologic interventions that can sometimes be helpful. Unfortunately, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these types of interventions often don’t create long-term success for people who meet the criteria for bariatric surgery. The NIH recommends bariatric surgery as the only reliable method for obtaining long-term success for these patients.

What are the potential risks and complications of bariatric surgery?

Please click here to see our table comparing the pros and cons of each bariatric surgery procedure we offer.

How will Fresh Start prepare me for bariatric surgery?

Once you’ve met with your Fresh Start patient advocate you’ll attend a one day comprehensive evaluation appointment. We know you are very busy and have many family and work commitments. At Fresh Start Bariatrics, we are respectful of your time by bringing our professionals to you. Your evaluation appointment is designed to provide all the information you need to make a final decision about bariatric surgery and to gather all the information needed to submit to your health insurance plan for approval. Read more about our pre-surgery evaluation here.

Where in Ohio do your bariatric surgery patients live?

In addition to hailing from the greater Columbus area our bariatric surgery patients also come from all corners of Ohio. From Cambridge to Sandusky and from Akron to Portsmouth – Fresh Start Bariatrics is Ohio’s best choice for weight loss surgery. It’s because of the highly personalized care we provide, before, during and after surgery. Bariatric surgery takes an incredible commitment – a commitment to life. And we are there every step of the way to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and transform your health. Discover more about Fresh Start Bariatrics, one of the top bariatric surgery programs in Ohio with our patient guide.

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