Providers
We are happy to announce that Dr. David May, Bariatrics and General Surgery, has joined the Lovelace Medical Group family. This solidifies a long-standing relationship between Lovelace and Dr. May, previously with Optum.
We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for our patients and continue to be committed to quality care. Please call 505.727.2790 for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
The benefits of weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery is a big decision that can change your life for the better. That’s why we are excited that you want to learn more about the first steps to a new you. Our experienced medical staff and community is here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way.
When diet, exercise and medication aren’t working, weight loss surgery may be an option for treating morbid obesity. Research shows weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is the most effective way to achieve long-term weight loss.
The benefits go beyond what you see on the scale. It can also improve a wide range of other health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea.
FAQ
If you are considering bariatric surgery, call your insurance company to verify bariatric benefits for the treatment of morbid obesity.
Information you will need from your insurance:
1. Does your plan cover bariatric services and surgery, or is it an exclusion or only covered if life-threatening (meaning they do not cover bariatric surgery)?
- Here are the specific codes your insurance company may request:
- ICD code of obesity E66.01
- CPT code for sleeve 43775
- CPT code for bypass 43644
2. If your plan covers bariatric services and surgery, you will need to know what pre-surgical requirement are necessary to qualify for surgery.
- For example, some insurances require six consecutive months of medical weight management and psychological evaluation.
3. What is your portion of the cost?
- Confirm how much your insurance will cover for the procedure.
Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be beneficial if your BMI is between 35 and 40. If your BMI is below 35, you will not qualify for surgery.
Use the BMI calculator below to see if you qualify.
The Bariatric Program at Lovelace is committed to serving you as you begin your weight-loss journey. Our experienced team will help determine which procedure is right for you. We offer a range of weight-loss surgery options, including:
Roux-en-Y (roo-en-why) gastric bypass
This is the most common procedure. The surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, skipping a segment of the intestine. This helps lower the amount of food you can eat in one sitting and decreases food absorption.
Sleeve gastrectomy
This procedure removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a long, tube-like pouch. This smaller stomach can't hold as much food.
Duodenal Switch
The surgeon removes part of the stomach to create a tube-like, or sleeve stomach, then connects the bottom of the stomach to a lower part of the small intestine, skipping a segment of the intestine. This helps lower the amount of food you can eat in one sitting and decreases food absorption.
Revision surgeries
Your body changes over time, which can have an impact on the changes made by weight loss surgery. Bariatric revision surgery can correct those changes or improve a previous procedure.
All of these procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques by a fellowship-trained and board certified bariatric surgeon. Watch our free online seminar for more details.
If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a bariatric surgery consultation, please fill out the form to your right or call 505-727-2790.
Lovelace Westside Hospital is the only hospital in New Mexico designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery. This designation is given to hospitals that provide a full range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. These centers have lower complication rates and fewer readmissions and demonstrate more affordable care in addition to quality care, treatment expertise and better overall patient results.
Our bariatrics program has been named a Fully Accredited MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accredited Quality Improvement Program) by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The MBSAQIP Accreditation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes and low complication rates.
Overview
Bariatric surgery in New Mexico
The Bariatric Program at Lovelace Westside Hospital is committed to serving you as you begin your weight loss journey. Our experienced team of bariatric specialists and surgeons provide a variety of bariatric treatment options, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and bariatric surgery revisions. The benefits of weight loss surgery go beyond the scale, and our award-winning weight loss surgery clinic is committed to helping you live a healthier life.
If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a bariatric surgery consultation, please call (505) 727-2790.
Our bariatric treatment options
Many people find it difficult to lose weight on their own. However, surgical treatments can help patients lose weight and keep it off when diet, exercise and medication aren’t working. Weight loss surgery can improve many aspects of your health, including weight-related medical issues like diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective option that can help patients control their appetite, lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight. Our bariatric surgeons provide the following surgical treatments:
- Duodenal switch
- Gastric bypass
- Revision surgeries
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
All of these procedures are formed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques delivered by fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeons. Weight loss surgery is a big decision that can change your life for the better. That’s why we are excited that you want to learn more about the first steps to a new you. Our experienced medical staff and community is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Award-winning weight loss services
Lovelace Westside Hospital is the only hospital in New Mexico designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery. This designation is given to hospitals that provide a full range of bariatric surgery care. This includes surgical care, post-operative services, outpatient follow-up care and patient education.
We have also been named a Fully Accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accredited Quality Improvement Program by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as well as the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation recognizes that our surgical program has demonstrated a track record of favorable outcomes and low complication rates. We meet the highest possible standards in the industry and continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.
In addition to having fewer complication rates, our weight loss clinic also has fewer readmissions. This means surgeries are successful the first time around with no readmissions necessary. Our bariatric center provides affordable care, high-quality services, weight loss expertise, leading to better overall patient results. We look forward to helping you achieve your weight loss goals!
Accreditations
Lovelace Bariatrics has been named a Fully Accredited MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accredited Quality Improvement Program) by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The MBSAQIP Accreditation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes and low complication rates.
The ASMBS and ACS MBSAQIP was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that meet the highest standards in the industry and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided. As a fully-accredited program, Lovelace Bariatrics has agreed to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data.
About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The ASMBS is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world.
It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of metabolic and bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits.
It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in metabolic and bariatric surgery while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for morbidly obese patients.