Getting Started
Many insurance carriers may require you to participate in a medical weight loss program prior to entering our surgical program. Our staff will work with you to obtain insurance authorization if necessary in order to qualify you for bariatric surgery.
To answer questions regarding insurance qualifications, please phone Saint Mary's Weight Management Program at 616.685.3333.
Engaging Online Educational Programs
Here at Saint Mary's Health Care, we believe the more active role you take in your care, the healthier you will be. Most medical decisions are ultimately in your hands and we want to give you as much information as possible about your health. For this reason, we are proud to offer free, unique, educational programs called Emmi.
What are Emmi Programs?
Emmi is a series of Web-based programs that make complex medical information easy to understand. They use a comforting voice, animation and easy-to-read text to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.
Most Emmi programs take about 20 minutes to complete. You can view them as many times as you like and share them with friends and family. As you watch the program, you can also take notes or write questions that you can print and bring with you to your next appointment.
If you are scheduled for an upcoming procedure, ask your doctor if there is an Emmi program that is right for you.
Already have an Emmi access code?
Click here to view your program now!
We recommend that you begin by viewing the program titled "Bariatric Surgery," which is an overview of the four different bariatric surgery options. After viewing that program you can choose to learn more about the specific surgery that interests you by choosing from the surgery specific programs.
Please keep in mind that at our program we perform all of these surgeries laparoscopically and rarely need to convert to an open incision. Most patients spend one to two nights in the hospital following surgery.
Our program does mandate that you quit using tobacco products before you can have surgery - smoking is the leading cause of death in the US. If you have any questions please contact us.
