Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI (body mass index)?
A measurement that calculates height & weight to help determine if
a patient qualifies for weight loss surgery.
What are the BMI requirements for weight loss surgery at St. Luke’s?
Your BMI must be at least 40, or 35-39.9 and are suffering from at least
two serious related health problems (diabetes mellitus, gastro-esophageal
reflux, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, degenerative joint disease, high
blood pressure, etc.)
When is weight loss surgery used to treat obesity?
When other weight loss therapies have failed (diet/exercise, pharmacotherapy,
weight loss programs, counseling, etc.)
What are the weight loss surgery options offered at St. Luke’s?
Laparoscopic/open sleeve gastrectomy
Do you still offer the laparoscopic gastric band?
No, St. Luke's no longer offers the band due to high complication rates.
Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Insurance coverage varies based on your insurance plan. Please contact
your insurance company directly to find out if weight loss surgery is covered.
If I am currently using tobacco, will I be able to have surgery?
No. It will be a requirement that you quit smoking/remain tobacco &
nicotine free for a minimum of six months prior to surgery. We encourage
you to continue no tobacco use post-operatively as smoking can interfere
with the healing process following surgery.
How will weight loss surgery affect my life?
The surgical procedure is a small piece to the puzzle. There will need
to be many lifestyle changes that will need to be made prior to the actual
surgery date.
If I am interested in weight loss surgery, what is my first step?
Please contact St. Luke’s Surgical Weight Loss Program at 218-249-2410.
We will help you register for an information session where you will learn
about our program and weight loss surgery options. You can also register
online at
slhduluth.com/WeightLossSurgery.
Once I attend the information session, how long will it be before I can
have weight loss surgery?
The process varies with each patient. However, the standard length of
time is usually 7-8 months until your surgery date.