Change your lifestyle with the support of a caring team
For obese patients, reaching a healthier weight can improve other health issues, including migraines, sleep apnea, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, PCOS and more. At UM Health-Sparrow, we support patients like you in this weight-loss journey so you can live a healthier life and win back more time to spend with your loved ones.
Bariatric surgery can help. If you’re a good candidate for this procedure, it can provide the foundation you need to make drastic changes to your weight and to your lifestyle.
When you choose UM Health-Sparrow as your bariatric care provider, you’ll be supported by an accomplished, compassionate team that collaborates across disciplines. Our team also includes registered dietitians, exercise specialists and behaviorists, for help from every angle.
Most importantly, when you choose UM Health-Sparrow, you’ll feel valued and cared for as a patient and a person. We know that bariatric surgery is a big decision, and the journey isn’t an easy one. We provide both support and accountability, every step of the way.
Rely on a multidisciplinary team of experts
You can trust UM Health-Sparrow’s bariatric surgery team to provide you with the best care. All our bariatric surgeons are board-certified, fellowship-trained, and experts in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Surgeries take place at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing. For our surgical Patients, we offer a dedicated bariatric post-surgical floor with specially trained Nurses to ensure the best recovery.
As you take control of your health, you may need support for other obesity-related health challenges. UM Health-Sparrow’s bariatric services department also has a dedicated doctor to oversee this part of your care.
We collaborate with practitioners in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic services and the Lansing Sleep Center. Due to our multidisciplinary focus, we can tackle whatever health issues you’re experiencing, and work toward a holistic recovery.
Get even more support for your weight-loss journey
As a bariatric patient at UM Health-Sparrow, you’ll have all the help you need to succeed as you make a big change and embrace your new lifestyle. That includes a pre-surgery curriculum (taught by our highly trained experts) that will teach you all about nutrition and how to exercise safely and sustainably. You’ll also get access to affordable group fitness classes at the Michigan Athletic Club (MAC), the only hospital-based health club in Mid-Michigan.
With ongoing support from UM Health-Sparrow’s physical therapists, registered dietitians and behaviorists, it’s easier for patients like you to make effective changes that last.
Learn everything about bariatric surgery
If you’re ready to lose the weight for good, learn why UM Health-Sparrow Bariatrics is a better, safer, life-long weight loss solution for you. Click the link below to find inspirational patient success stories, the steps involved with surgery, and information on our physicians and support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers
How does weight loss surgery work, and could it help you? Get answers here to frequently asked questions about weight loss surgery.
People who achieve their weight loss through diets or other non-surgical means are much less likely to achieve remission or cure of any of their obesity associated illnesses. The reason we place an emphasis on surgical weight loss is a scientific one. Only 3-5% of people who lose significant weight are able to maintain their weight loss. Up to 85% of people who lose weight with bariatric surgery are able to keep the weight off.
There is no age limit for bariatric surgery. At your intake visit, your medical history will be reviewed, and we will let you know if you are a good surgical candidate.
Bariatric surgery is typically covered by most insurances due to the fact that obesity is recognized as a disease. In fact, many diet programs have higher out-of-pocket expenses than can be expected with bariatric surgery. When you consider the fact that diets often result in short-term fixes, in comparison, bariatric surgery can pay for itself many times over.
In most cases this surgery is covered under McLaren Medicaid. You should check with your specific plan to be sure.
You will consume a very low calorie diet including protein bars, puddings, soups, and shakes prior to surgery in order to prepare your body and make surgery safer. The length of the pre-surgery diet, averaging 2-4 weeks, is determined by your provider after review of your past medical history.
No, gaining weight is not recommended, we would like to see a downward trend. Some insurances require at least a 10LBS weight loss. Please set this as your first goal.
No, you must quit smoking and have at least four negative nicotine/THC tests throughout your regimen.
Our providers do not typically perform revisional surgery. You may call our office at 517.364.8100 to inquire about your specific situation.
- UM Health-Sparrow Physician Health Network (SPHN)
- Physicians Health Plan (PHP)
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Blue Cross Complete (BCC)
- Blue Cross Network (BCN)
- Cofinity
- McLaren
- Medicaid (Molina and Meridian not included)
- Medicare
- Priority Health
- United Healthcare (UHC)
Please visit our Contact Us page, and our office will reach out to you shortly. You can also call the UM Health Partners, Bariatrics office at 517.364.8100.
