Get Started With Surgical Weight Loss

Are you interested in learning more about surgical weight loss?

We encourage you to watch the seminar online here. The seminar is led by Dr. Alapati and lasts about 16 minutes. The seminar is the first step in our program.

Our goal is to help give you every advantage as you embark on this journey to wellness, which will take lifelong commitment, but bring you immense benefits. For patients who commit to success, the result is a longer, healthier and happier life.

Amber's Surgical Weight Loss Story

Weight loss surgery with Dr. Alapati from Owensboro Health changed her life.

Read and Watch Amber's Story.

Topics covered in the seminar:

• What is obesity and how does it affect the lives of those who have it and those around them?
  • Obesity’s causes and the numerous negative health effects
  • Obesity trends in the United States
  • The financial costs of obesity
  • Weight loss surgeries performed at Owensboro Health by Dr. Alapati
    • The procedures available:
      • Gastric Bypass
      • Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Benefits and risks of each type of procedure
• Things to consider when choosing which surgery to undergo
• How insurance coverage works and how many insurance plans cover surgical weight loss procedures for qualifying patients
• Our team and how it uses a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to bariatric surgery

The Importance of Primary Care

We encourage all surgical weight loss patients to have a primary care physician. This will give you a provider who can help you with related health issues and concerns that are connected to obesity, but are separate from weight loss surgery. To learn more about the surgical weight loss program or to attend a seminar, call 270-688-1500.

Insurance Information

The insurance process to obtain authorization for bariatric surgery is very detailed. Most insurance carriers require the same information but there are some variations between insurance carriers and policies. Some of the information items requested are likely to include:

• Physician supervised weight loss trial (most plans require six months)
• Two to three year history of obesity (a copy of one office visit from the past two to three years documenting height and weight)
• Requirement to have stopped smoking within two to six months prior to surgery. (Learn more about our free smoking cessation programs.)
• Specific laboratory studies (such as a thyroid level and possibly a nicotine level if you are a smoker or former smoker)
• Nutrition clearance from the Registered dietitian
• Psychological clearance