Bariatric Patient Resources
Bariatric patient resources are essential for individuals considering and undergoing weight loss surgery, offering comprehensive support to ensure successful outcomes. These resources include pre-surgery education, detailed nutritional guidance, psychological counseling, and robust post-surgery follow-up care.
Access to online and in-person support groups provides ongoing motivation and community support. Expert healthcare teams create personalized care plans to help patients achieve long-term weight management and improved health. Utilizing these resources maximizes the chances of success and promotes sustainable lifestyle changes.
Understanding Obesity
Every year, millions of Americans are diagnosed as obese. This means the patient is 20 percent or more above their ideal body weight. Clinically severe obesity is a more serious condition in which the patient is 100 or more pounds over their ideal body weight or has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater. When you are obese, your risk of developing other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke greatly increases. More than 300,000 deaths annually are attributed to obesity and obesity-related conditions.
When healthy dieting and exercise have not helped you reach your weight-loss goals, bariatric surgery might be an option to consider. Surgery helps patients lose weight by restricting food intake, or, in some cases, interrupting the digestive process. There are several surgical options available and recovery time is relatively short.
Understanding your health and obesity is an important part of your journey to a healthier lifestyle. That’s why we’ve provided you with additional resources to help assist you. For more information or inquiries, please contact us at 989-583-4683.
Covenant Bariatric group at the Dow RunWalk 2024
Calculating BMI
Using a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator is an easy and efficient way to assess whether your weight falls within a healthy range based on your height. By entering your height and weight, the calculator quickly determines your Body Mass Index, helping you understand potential health risks associated with your weight.
Covenant Bariatric Seminar
Watch the on-demand bariatric seminar to gain comprehensive insights into weight loss surgery options, benefits, and potential risks from the comfort of your home. The seminar is led by experienced bariatric surgeons and healthcare professionals who provide valuable information about the procedures, pre- and post-operative care, and lifestyle changes necessary for success. Additionally, on-demand access allows you to watch at your own pace, review key points, and share the information with family or friends who may be supporting your journey.
Watching the bariatric seminar is the first step.
Insurance
Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery varies based on your insurance provider and your policy. We use an insurance worksheet to assist you with planning for possible insurance co-payments and deductibles prior to your procedure. If you have questions, call to check with your insurance provider to understand their requirements and obtain pre-authorization to ensure coverage for the procedure, or contact Libby Palmer, Covenant Bariatric Program Administrator, at 989-583-4683.
Bariatric Support Group
Our bariatric support group offers a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who have undergone or are considering weight loss surgery. Led by experienced professionals, the group provides emotional support, practical advice, and shared experiences to help members navigate their weight loss journey. Join us to connect with others, celebrate successes, and find the encouragement you need to achieve lasting health and wellness.
Bariatric Support Group Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month from 6 pm to 7 pm.
In-person sessions are held in April, May, July, August, October, and November.
Virtual sessions are held in January, February, March, June, September, and December.
In-person meetings will be in the lower-level conference room at:
Covenant HealthCare Mackinaw
5400 Mackinaw Rd
Saginaw, MI 48604
Virtual meetings will be held on TEAMS. The link to join is: Join the meeting now and the meeting passcode is: JQklbj
Please contact Libby at lpalmer@chs-mi.com or 989-583-4683 with any questions.
Explore our Event Calendar to find upcoming support groups.
Bariatric Surgery App
The Baritastic app is a tool for anyone on a bariatric journey, offering comprehensive support to help you stay on track. With features like meal planning, weight tracking, and progress monitoring, the app provides personalized guidance and motivation. It also connects you with a community of fellow users and Covenant healthcare professionals, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Download this weight loss app and connect to Covenant HealthCare to begin your transformation today. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. To connect the app to Covenant Bariatric and Metabolic Center, please use the code 30000 when signing up.