 Unity HospitalSupport groups and other resources for weight loss surgery patientsFor more information on the Bariatric Center, Return to: 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 groupsThe 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:
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 in Minnesota. BMI chartA 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 communityThe Unity Bariatric Center is pleased to offer a Bariatric Surgery Network online support community. 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 at unitybariatrics.ning.com. Online forums and toolsIndependent 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 SurgeryLap Band TalkOne of the largest online forums for information on the LAP BAND. Obesity HelpA popular online magazine and forum for all bariatrics patients and supporters. Bariatric AdvantageAn online supplier of bariatric vitamins and supplements. Barbara Thompson's Life After Surgery NewsA free newsletter featuring information and research material to help patients succeed following weight loss surgery. Obesity Action CoalitionA 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® JourneyAn 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. Nutrition resourcesAllina Hospitals & ClinicsCenter 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 Insurance linksEligibility 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
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