FAQS: MAYO CLINIC FOR WEIGHT LOSS
It’s natural to have questions about weight loss and obesity treatment. Managing obesity is a commitment and an essential step in regaining control of your health.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about weight loss and obesity treatment at Mayo Clinic:
What’s the difference between surgery and endoscopy for weight loss?
Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery, also called metabolic surgery, is the most effective treatment available for severe obesity. There are several different procedures that can help you achieve weight loss. Mayo Clinic surgeons can use minimally invasive techniques for nearly all of these surgeries . While the rate of complications associated with weight-loss surgery is very low, the treatment still carries risks typically associated with surgery.
Endoscopy for weight loss is a newer obesity treatment, but early data shows it to be effective for long-term weight loss. It’s a minimally invasive procedure (no incision) performed through the mouth using a long, thin tube (endoscope) fitted with a light and a camera. Specialized gastroenterologists use the endoscope to visualize and treat the digestive system.
How does the bariatric team determine which weight loss treatment to use?
When determining a treatment’s safety and potential success, we consider your lifestyle, treatment preferences, and factors such as:
Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is one of the screening tools we use to identify unhealthy body weight. It’s the ratio of a person’s height to weight. A BMI calculation above 30 indicates obesity. Your BMI also helps guide appropriate obesity treatment:
- BMI of 30 to 35. Doctors typically recommend medication or endoscopy.
- BMI of 35 to 40. Your doctor may suggest endoscopy or bariatric surgery.
- BMI of 40 or above. Your doctor will likely recommend a bariatric surgery procedure.
Your health
We also consider any chronic conditions you may have. Underlying physical and mental health conditions can sometimes guide the solutions and treatment plans we recommend.
How much weight can I expect to lose with bariatric surgery or endoscopy?
The most rapid weight loss after surgery or endoscopy tends to occur in the first three months. You’ll continue losing weight at half the rate in months three through six. Weight loss continues at a slower rate until you reach a plateau between 12 and 24 months.
People who lose weight through bariatric endoscopy typically lose 15% of their total body weight initially. Most people maintain a 10% weight loss over five years.
Weight-loss surgery can help you lose 30% to 40% of your body weight. Most people can maintain their weight loss for many years.
How can Mayo Clinic help patients who experience weight recurrence after prior bariatric surgery?
We understand that weight loss is a journey, not a destination. When weight relapse happens, we create a new weight-loss plan to get you back on the right path. Our subspecialists support you with dietary and mental health needs.
If your previous surgery or procedure requires revision, we perform revision surgery. Our advanced endoscopy team also offers minimally invasive transoral outlet reduction (TORe). This endoscopic revision procedure corrects prior gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
How long is the weight-loss process at Mayo Clinic?
At Mayo Clinic, we consider weight loss and obesity management lifelong commitments. But our obesity treatments can help you achieve a healthy weight more quickly than trying to lose weight alone.
The weight-loss process at Mayo Clinic often depends upon insurance requirements. Most insurance companies require you to attend six months of meetings focusing on nutrition education and healthy lifestyle changes before approving a procedure. We conduct most of those meetings virtually whenever possible.
After six months of meetings, we’ll proceed with our obesity care approach. Our endocrinology, healthy living, and mental health teams evaluate you before referring you for a procedure or surgery. Once we make the referral, our team schedules the procedure or surgery as soon as possible. We obtain any approvals required by your insurance plan and make sure to align with your schedule.
Are weight-loss surgeries and procedures covered by insurance?
It depends. Many insurance plans don’t cover obesity treatment and won’t cover bariatric procedures under any circumstances. In those cases, you must pay treatment costs out of pocket. Other insurance plans initially deny coverage but will accept an appeal for coverage.
If your insurance plan doesn’t cover obesity treatment, Mayo Clinic offers financial assistance and access to financial resources that can help.
What happens after my weight-loss treatment?
Mayo Clinic closely follows you after a surgery or procedure, with virtual visits within days and then a month after treatment. We schedule in-person visits with you for three, six, and 12 months after your surgery or procedure.
As you transition your diet and lifestyle after treatment, our support includes:
- Routinely checking your lab work
- Assessing your diet to ensure you get enough nutrients
- Providing mental health help and resources
- Working closely with your local doctor
In the months following treatment, you’ll lose weight rapidly. We’ll be there to ensure you stay healthy and on track to achieve your weight-loss goals.
Contact our bariatric team.
For more information about weight loss and obesity care at Mayo Clinic, or to schedule an appointment, call 507-284-1600.
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