I was reading the March newsletter from the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and found this great - FREE - resource for patients. It is described below:
Seeking approval for weight-loss surgery can be a difficult process. Often times, patients are denied by their insurance company on the first try and subsequent appeals and efforts can be frustrating and time consuming.To help patients through this process, the OAC developed the Working with Your Insurance Provider: A Guide to Seeking Weight-Loss Surgery guide.
The guide is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge needed to successfully work with their insurance provider and become an advocate for change. It offers readers information discussing the effects of obesity and morbid obesity, tips for working with your insurance provider, detailed information concerning the treatment options available for morbid obesity and much more.
To view and order this guide free-of-charge, please click here. If you have additional questions, feel free to call us at Clarian Bariatrics at 317-275-7010 or to join us at a FREE informational seminar where you can ask any question you have about bariatric surgery costs, the insurance approval process, Indianapolis bariatric weight loss and what leads to effective weight loss surgery outcomes.
More information on dates and times for these events can be found by clicking on the image at the top right of this Web page.
I hope that everyone enjoyed reading the story about John Barnes that was recently added to the Indy Racing League's Web site (see below). I am re-posting the commericial that John did for Clarian Bariatrics earlier in the year as a refresher on just how far he has come.
If you have a question about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals, bariatric weight loss or weight loss surgery in general, then consider joining us at a FREE informational seminar. Click on the photo at the top right of this page for more info!
Today, it is nearly impossible to pick up a magazine, newspaper or watch TV and not see the letters "BMI."
BMI is used in determining obesity, morbid obesity and childhood obesity. BMI is a great tool for simply gauging where you fall on the weight category table, and is one of the tools used to determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
To calculate your BMI, follow this link to the Obesity Action Coalition Web site. Do you have an additional question about causes of obesity, bariatric surgery costs or Indiana Weight Loss Doctors? Then join us at a FREE informational session. Click on the image at the top right of this page for more information.
Have you been reading the stories on this blog and think that bariatric weight loss surgery might be right for you? Are you interested in learning more about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and Indiana Weight Loss Doctors?
Then join us at a FREE information session on Thursday, February 26. We will be holding two seminars - one at our Indianapolis location and one at Clarian Health Cicero.
You can find out additional informaiton and RSVP for each event by clicking on the image at the top right of this page. Remember that you are more than welcomed to bring as many people as you would like with you!
Another interesting read from the Obesity Action Coalition. Don't forget to visit us at an upcoming info session if you have additional questions about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals, bariatric weight loss or weight loss surgery. We are here for you!
Happy Friday!
Obesity continues to increase for women in the United States, particularly among African-American and Mexican-American women. Between the ages of 35-44, there are approximately 3.3 million white women, 1.4 million African-American women, and 575,000 Mexican-American women who are obese
A new study published in the journal Public Health Nursing reveals that there is an increased risk for midlife obesity among Mexican-American and White women who were poor as children and adults. However, this did not hold true for African-American women.
Today is my birthday. I like to say that it's just another day, but that's a lie. Somehow I always get to thinking about what I've accomplished at this point in my life and does my current "place" reflect where I thought I would be.
Overall, I'm very happy with what I've done and the person I've become, but I can also pinpoint some areas where I could definitely do more. It is my personal goal that next year I scratch a few of those things of my list, or at least take the necessary steps to make them happen.
What about you? Do you treat birthdays the same way? What are you goals? If you are visiting this blog, chances are great that they involve improving yourself from inside and out.
Consider joining us at a FREE weight loss surgery information session where you can learn about common causes of obesity and have your questions answered about bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis Bariatric Physicians. Just click on the image at the top right of this page to find out about upcoming sessions.
This article, from Medical News Today, just came across my Google alert and I thought that a few of you might find it interesting. I am, by no means, an expert when it comes to bariatric surgery costs or insurance coverage questions.
If you have a question, please call 317-275-7010 or come to one of our FREE info sessions (the next one is Thursday, February 19) and one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help you!
Insurance is a place most of us try to stay away from. The process for weight loss surgery is unique. The first thing done is a verification of benefits. I tell all of our patients that this is not approval for surgery. It simply states that if you meet all of the criteria for you insurance they will consider paying for your bariatric weight loss surgery. There is no way around this process.
The insurance department at Clarian Bariatrics works very hard in verifying benefits. A few things to remember, if you are in the program and you are working in 2008 and you do not go to surgery until 2009, those benefits need to be verified again.
As a patient take that upon yourself to question your company. Benefits change at the New Year because of elections your employer has made with your insurance company. I can explain specific bariatric surgery costs if you would like on a one to one basis, just email me at bariatric@clarian.org.
The co-pays you will incur are varied, your office visits with your surgeon are only what your co pays normally are. The program requirements are explained at seminar and you can feel free to phone me at any time at 317-275-7010 and we can go over those again. If you do not have insurance or if you have exclusion with your insurance and chose to pay cash for your surgery there again are a few things that will change the amount owed and the time of that payment.
On an average you would expect to pay $20,000 to $26,000 for your surgery. Each case is specific to the patient, different tests, days in the hospital etc…I try to give a high average that way there are no surprises. If you have questions please feel free to phone or email me any time.
Clarian Bariatrics has started a monthly FREE informational seminar about weight loss surgery options at the new Clarian Health location in Cicero, Indiana.
If you live north of Indianapolis and cannot find the time to drive to Indianapolis to attend a community seminar then join us in Cicero. We want to make it easy for you to join us in your weight loss journey. Visit us at ACallToChange.org or the Tipton Hospital Web site for information on the monthly date, time and location.
Additionally, if you would like to learn more about causes of obesity or bariatric surgery costs you can attend one of our weekly FREE info sessions at our Indianapolis location. Remember that you are invited to bring as many people with you as you like! Just click the image at the top right of this page to register.
It's Thursday, and that means that Clarian Bariatrics will be holding a FREE weight loss surgery information session tonight at our Indianapolis clinic.
If you are interested in learning about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals or bariatric weight loss, then this is the time to get your questions answered!
Simply click on the image at the top of this page to save your place, and know that you are more than welcomed to bring as many family and friends as you'd like.
The following piece hit my Google alert today and I found it a pretty interesting read from The Huffington Post. In this popular series from the Web site, they take two physicians and have them debate a hot-button issue. In this case, stomach stapling surgery and weight loss surgery in general.
After working with Clarian Bariatrics for the past two years, I side with the camp that bariatric weight loss is the only way morbidly obese individuals can overcome a circle of health problems and reclaim their lives.
However, like anything in life, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery should not be made alone and without careful consideration. Talk to your physician, family and friends and read as much as you can about the pros and cons of this life-saving surgery before making a decision.
Have you been curious about weight loss surgery? Then consider attending one of Clarian Bariatrics FREE informational seminars. At the seminar you will have the opportunity to meet with Indiana Bariatric Doctors and ask questions about bariatric surgery costs, bariatric surgery financing, Indiana Hospitals and Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeons.
We know how important it is to feel comfortable, and since you will not be taking this journey alone, we encourage you to bring as many family members and friends along as you need. We can't wait to meet them, and you!
The next FREE informational session will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP by clicking on the picture at the top right of this page or by calling 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555.
Are you considering weight loss surgery, but have questions about what to expect in the hours and days afterward? Then check out this video produced by Clarian Bariatrics to hear Dr. Samer Mattar offer a brief synopsis of what to expect immediately after surgery.
If you have any other questions about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals or bariatric weight loss, do not hesitate to ask!
Isn’t it sad that we have to think of taxing food to get people to change their behaviors! I am so proud to be working with a program that promotes healthy living and lifestyle changes. Many of us know what we need to do to make healthier choices but we sometimes need someone else to hold us accountable or get us motivated to make the changes. Clarian Bariatrics team is ready and willing to help you or your loved one start that journey to reach your weight loss goals in a positive rewarding manner. Give us a try!
Business Week reports on the increasing drive among legislators to tax unhealthy food items, noting that “New York Governor David Paterson is the most serious of all, proposing in his 2009 state budget that an 18% sales tax be levied on non-diet soda and sugary juice drinks. Such a tax, he says, would raise $404 million in the fiscal year starting in April, and $539 million in the year after that -- all to be earmarked for obesity-fighting public health programs.”
Businessweek paints the measure as radical, but adds that the “concept of a so-called obesity tax is slowly gaining support, floated by such disparate public figures as British Conservative Party leader David Cameron, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, French tax authorities, and politicians in regions of Canada, Australia, and Ireland.”
Click here to read full text of the article. Do you have a question about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals, Bariatric Weight Loss or Weight Loss Surgery? Then leave me a comment!
The Internet really does make the world smaller. Recently, we were contacted via our general mailbox at Clarian Bariatrics by an individual from FastFoodNation, a public health Web site in the United Kingdom that aims to educate the public on the dangers of eating too much fast food.
The site features practical information and tips in an easy to read format that is relatable whether you are in the U.S. or the U.K. Sue, the individual who sent the e-mail, was very complimentary of our Web site and we thought we would return the favor by directing you to their site.
Hey, it may even get you motivated to take a trip overseas!
In the meantime, if you have any questions about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity, Indiana Hospitals, bariatric weight loss or weight loss surgery, please do not hesitate to ask.
Of course, but there are risks associated with any type of surgical procedure. Substantial advancements have been made in surgical procedures and techniques, making bariatric surgery safer than it has ever been. But, as in any other surgery, there are risks associated with any bariatric procedure and these risks should be carefully considered and discussed with your surgeon prior to the procedure:
Internal bleeding
Complications due to anesthesia and medications
Blood clots
Infections
Leaks from staple lines
Marginal ulcers
Pulmonary problems
Cardiac problems
Spleen injuryStenosis (narrowing of a passage)
Death (less than 1%)
If you would like to learn more about causes of obesity, bariatric surgery costs or bariatric weight loss and potential risks, please do not hesitate to contact me or attend a FREE informational session.
Just a reminder that Clarian Bariatrics will be hosting its first FREE informational seminar at Clarian Health Cicero on Thursday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
These seminars are your opportunity to ask questions of Indiana bariatric surgeons and other Indiana bariatric patients about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and bariatric weight loss. Plus, we encourage you to bring family and friends as your weight loss journey is one that will not be taken alone.
Clarian Health Cicero is located at 1160 South Peru Street, S.R. 19, Cicero, IN. Additionally, we hold informational sessions at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic located at 6625 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis on Thursdays and Satudays throughout the year.
Please RSVP for a seminar by visiting this Web site. If you have additional questions, please call 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org.
I'm sorry that it has been almost a week since our last posting, but the bloggers took some much needed time off to be with friends and family. How is 2009 shaping up for you so far?
I'm not big on making resolutions, but there were definitely a few things that I wanted to work on this year. My personal motto is "strive to be better" and that always acts as a nice goal to remind myself of each year.
However, my big goal this year is to take better care of my skin. I came to the realization that I am not getting any younger, and I really need to be diligent about wearing sunscreen, washing my face morning and night and moisturizing. Afterall, I don't want to have too many wrinkles by the time I'm 30!
What about you? Any big resolutions or personal goals? I know a lot of people are looking for answers on bariatric surgery costs, bariatric weight loss and weight loss surgery and all of us at Clarian Bariatrics are here to help you. Do not hesitate to contact me or attend a FREE informational seminar.
Have you had a chance to view the John Barnes commercial on the blog or have you caught it on TV? If so, I'm curious to hear what you think about John's weight loss surgery journey and his struggles to get healthy.
Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think or ask me a question about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity or Indiana Hospitals. I am here to help you reach your goals!
What I didn’t realize was using food as happiness was a temporary band aid for whatever I was missing at that moment in my life. I was burying my emotions under a plate of my favorite dessert topped with my favorite ice cream or in a bowl of pasta covered with buttery/creamy white sauce. This is NOT normal.
The day I realized that I have a disease and admitted that I am addicted to food became the new first day of the rest of my life. I know that many of us face these same struggles and are not sure how to move forward. Start by taking care of yourself and your health needs. Take things minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour and day-by-day. Remember this holiday season to take care of you because YOU are worth it!
I leave you with this quote from the book Life is Hard Food is Easy: “Food is wonderful! In fact, food is my best friend, but lately I’m aware that my friend is hurting me, making me uncomfortable, sabotaging my goals, causing me grief and guilt, possibly destroying my life. Today I made a decision it’s time to get a new friend.” – Linda Spangle
I hope that you look forward to all the possibilities of the New Year. If you have a question about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity or Indiana Hospitals, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to continuing my story with you in 2009!
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