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Bariatric care

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Support

To start your weight loss surgery journey, attend a
free surgery
information class.

Nutrition resources

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

Weight loss surgery support groups

It helps to know you're not alone. We encourage you and your family to gain support not only from our bariatric experts, but also from others going through similar experiences.

Located in:

BMI calculator

Body Mass Index (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.

arrow points to link to BMI calculator Calculate your BMI.

Online forums and tools

These independent resources support patients on their journey before and after their surgery. These sites are not affiliated with 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: 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
  • Obesity Action Coalition: A resource for individuals struggling with obesity, the OAC offers information about obesity, weight loss tools, patient advocacy and more.
  • 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-BAND® Journey: An online tool for LAP-BAND® 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.

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

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 for Bariatric Surgery

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. United Health Care - Bariatric surgery medical policy


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