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How to Get Started With Weight Loss Surgery

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, it can be overwhelming to know how to start the process. We want to help make the start of meeting your surgical weight loss goals as easy as possible. Here is a simple outline of the steps you'll need to take to get started.

Attend a Free Patient Information Seminar

At this seminar you will be able to meet with our bariatric surgery team and learn about the different bariatric surgeries and their requirements.

Call Your Insurance Company to Ask If They Cover Bariatric Surgery

Overweight family: Register for a Seminar on Bariatric Surgery

How to Get Approved For Bariatric Surgery

To get approved for bariatric surgery, a good first step is to call your insurance company and ask if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit. Please ask your insurance company the following questions:

  1. Is bariatric surgery a covered benefit?
  2. What are the requirements that I need to meet before my surgery will be approved?
  3. Is University of Utah Health a covered facility?
  4. Is your surgeon a covered provider?

Your insurance company may want the following codes for the specific types of bariatric surgery:

  • Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding – 43770
  • Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass – 43644
  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy – 43775

Do I Have to Lose Weight Before I Have Surgery?

Some insurance companies require a period of medically supervised weight loss before they will cover bariatric surgery. This is to make sure that patients show they are willing to make important diet and lifestyle changes before and after their bariatric surgery.

Complete New Patient Questionnaire

We encourage you to complete our on-line new patient questionnaire prior to attending our seminar. To complete it, please contact our program coordinators at 801-587-3856, option 2 then 1 to for more information on how to get started.

Start the Process

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery isn't for people who are mildly overweight. Instead, it's for severely obese people who are 100 pounds or more overweight and their health is at risk.

Learn If You Qualify

What Weight Loss Surgery Is Best For Me?

There are several types of bariatric surgery. Choosing the best surgery for you will depend on your weight loss goals and preferences.

Learn About Surgery Options

Start the Process

If you're thinking about weight loss surgery, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We help make the process as easy as possible.

Start the Bariatric Surgery Process

Self-Pay Options

If your insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, you can pay for it using our self-pay option.

Learn About Our Self-Pay Options

Patient Portal

Are you a current patient? Login to our patient portal to view your medical records and post-surgery instructions.

Login to Our Patient Portal

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