Frequently Asked Questions

The Tallahassee Memorial Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Care provides comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for obesity and weight-related health conditions. Our team works with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include nutrition and lifestyle changes, obesity medicine, prescription weight loss medications, bariatric surgery and ongoing support.

Our goal isn't simply to help you lose weight. We want to help you improve your health, manage weight-related conditions and develop a plan for long-term success.

No. Bariatric surgery is only one of the treatment options available through our program. Many patients begin with Obesity Medicine or medical weight management and may never need surgery.

Your care team will consider your health history, previous weight loss efforts, medications, lifestyle and goals to help determine which treatment options may be appropriate for you.

Yes. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by many factors, including genetics, hormones, metabolism, environment, medications and behavior. Like other chronic conditions, obesity often requires ongoing treatment and management.

Our approach focuses on treating obesity as a medical condition rather than simply telling patients to "eat less and exercise more."

TMH provides medical, surgical, nutritional and behavioral support within one comprehensive program. Our multidisciplinary team includes bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine providers, physician assistants, registered dietitians, behavioral health professionals and other specialists who work together to support your long-term health. Simply put, we look at the patient first, not the treatment.

TMH's bariatric and medical weight loss programs are nationally accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), demonstrating our commitment to patient safety, quality and long-term outcomes.

You don't have to decide before contacting us. Our team can help you understand your options and determine an appropriate starting point based on your health, weight loss goals and medical history.

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Obesity Medicine is the medical treatment of obesity as a chronic disease. Rather than focusing on a single diet or short-term weight loss plan, our team looks at the factors affecting your weight and overall health.

Treatment may include nutrition counseling, physical activity recommendations, behavioral strategies, prescription medications and ongoing medical care.

Your provider will review your medical history, current medications, previous weight loss efforts, eating and activity patterns, weight-related health conditions and personal goals.

From there, we'll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan and determine what additional services or support may be helpful.
 

Yes. Prescription weight loss medications, including GLP-1 medications, may be part of an individualized treatment plan when medically appropriate.

Medication is one tool within a broader weight management strategy. Our team can help determine whether medication is appropriate for you and provide ongoing medical supervision as part of your treatment.
 

No. There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. Depending on your needs, your plan may include nutrition, physical activity, behavioral changes, medications or a combination of approaches.

It depends on the individual, the medication and your response to treatment. Because obesity is a chronic disease, some patients may benefit from long-term medication, while treatment may change over time for others.

Your provider will monitor your progress and work with you to determine an appropriate long-term plan.

Weight management isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're not achieving the results you and your provider expect, your care team can reassess your treatment plan.

That might include adjusting medication, addressing nutrition or behavioral factors, evaluating other medical issues or discussing whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate.

Yes. Nutrition is an important part of both medical and surgical weight management. Registered dietitians can help you develop realistic eating habits that support weight loss, overall health and long-term weight management.

Yes. Behavioral health is an important part of comprehensive obesity treatment. Mental health professionals can help patients address behaviors, emotional eating, stress, coping strategies and other factors that can affect long-term weight management.

Eligibility is based on several factors, including your BMI, health history and obesity-related medical conditions. Most major insurances now provide bariatric surgical coverage, but  may  have specific coverage requirements. Usually, to qualify for surgery, your BMI must be over 40, or over 35 if you have obesity-related medical conditions.

The best way to determine whether you qualify though, is to meet with our bariatric team for an weight loss consultation (link)

TMH offers several surgical options, including:

• Sleeve gastrectomy 
• Gastric bypass 
• Duodenal switch 
• SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) 
• Bariatric revision and conversion procedures

Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and considerations of each procedure and recommend an approach based on your health, goals and individual needs.
 

There isn't one procedure that's best for every patient. Your surgeon will consider factors such as your BMI, medical history, weight-related conditions, previous surgeries, reflux symptoms, weight loss goals and lifestyle.

The decision is made together after you understand the risks, benefits and long-term expectations associated with each option.

Many bariatric procedures at TMH are performed using minimally invasive, robot-assisted techniques. These procedures use small incisions and may offer benefits such as less pain, smaller scars and faster recovery.

Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your procedure.

The timeline varies from patient to patient. Before surgery, patients typically complete several steps designed to make surgery as safe and successful as possible. Insurance plans may also require specific evaluations or documentation before approving surgery.

Our bariatric team will help you understand your individual requirements and guide you through each step of the process.

Your pre-surgery process may include medical evaluations, nutrition education, behavioral health assessment, laboratory testing and other testing based on your individual health needs.

You'll also receive detailed instructions about preparing for surgery, including dietary changes before your procedure.

Hospital stays vary depending on the procedure and your individual recovery. Many patients undergoing gastric sleeve or gastric bypass at TMH are able to leave the hospital within one to two days.

Your surgeon will discuss what you can expect based on your specific procedure.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery you have, the physical demands of your job and how your body responds to surgery. Some patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.

Your surgical team will provide individualized guidance about returning to work, exercise and other activities.

Patients may lose up to 60% of excess weight within 6 months after surgery, and more than 70% within 12 months. However, weight loss varies based on theprocedure, your starting weight, medical conditions and your ability to follow recommended nutrition, activity and follow-up guidelines.

Your bariatric team can provide more specific expectations based on the procedure you're considering and your individual health.

For many patients, significant weight loss after bariatric surgery can improve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other health problems.

Results often take time, vary by patient, and your care team will continue monitoring these conditions as you lose weight.

You can still come to TMH for help. Our bariatric team evaluates patients who have previously undergone weight loss surgery and are experiencing complications, weight regain, reflux or other concerns.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include medical management, nutrition support or bariatric revision or conversion surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the beginning of a long-term relationship with your care team. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your weight loss, nutrition, medications, vitamin levels and overall health.

You'll also receive guidance about eating, physical activity and the lifestyle changes that help support long-term success.

Most bariatric surgery patients need lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation because surgery can change how much food you eat and, depending on the procedure, how nutrients are absorbed.

Your care team will provide specific recommendations and monitor your nutritional health through follow-up appointments and laboratory testing.

Weight regain can happen, and it doesn't mean you've "failed" surgery. Weight is influenced by biological, behavioral and medical factors that can change over time.

Our team can evaluate what may be contributing to weight regain and discuss options such as nutrition support, behavioral health services, obesity medications or, in some cases, revision surgery.

Yes. Long-term follow-up is an important part of bariatric care, even when you're feeling well and maintaining your weight.

Regular visits allow your care team to monitor nutrition, vitamin and mineral levels, weight changes, medications and obesity-related health conditions and address concerns before they become bigger problems.

Reaching a goal weight is an important milestone, but obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term management.

Your needs may change over time, and continued follow-up can help you maintain your progress, protect your nutritional health and address weight regain or other health changes early.

Yes. One advantage of receiving care through a comprehensive weight management program is that your treatment can evolve as your needs change.

Some patients may begin with lifestyle changes and medication and later consider surgery. Others may use obesity medicine after bariatric surgery to support continued weight management. Our team can help determine the right approach at each stage of your journey.

You can expect compassionate, individualized care focused on your health — not judgment about your weight.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease, and seeking treatment is no different from seeking care for other medical conditions. Our goal is to understand what's affecting your health, learn what you've already tried and help you find an evidence-based treatment plan that works for you.

You don't need to know which treatment is right for you before getting started. Contact the TMH Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Care or schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn more about medical weight management, obesity medicine and bariatric surgery.

Our team can help you understand your options and determine the appropriate next step based on your health history, weight loss goals and individual needs.

Referral requirements may depend on your insurance plan and the type of care you need. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider before seeing a specialist, while others allow you to schedule directly.

Our team can help you understand the next steps, but we also recommend checking with your insurance provider about any referral requirements.
 

You don't have to make that decision on your own.

Our program offers both medical and surgical approaches to weight management. Your care team can review your health history, previous weight loss efforts, medications, weight-related conditions and goals to help determine which options may be appropriate for you.

Treatment may include medical weight management, prescription medication, nutrition and behavioral support, bariatric surgery or a combination of approaches over time.

TMH offers educational resources, including a free bariatric surgery webinar, to help you learn about treatment options and what to expect from surgery.

Contact our bariatric team to learn about the current steps for beginning the surgical weight loss program and any education that may be required as part of your individual process.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to learn about you — not your weight.

We'll discuss your medical history, previous weight loss efforts, current medications, weight-related health conditions and your personal goals. Depending on the type of appointment, we'll also begin discussing treatment options and any testing, evaluations or other steps that may be appropriate.

Bring your current insurance information, a list of your medications and any information you have about your medical history and previous weight loss treatments.

It can also be helpful to think about what you've tried in the past, what worked or didn't work for you and what you hope to accomplish through treatment.

The Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Care brings together providers and services from across Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to provide coordinated medical and surgical weight management.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may see different members of our team throughout your care. We'll help you understand where your appointments will take place and which members of the team you'll see along the way.

There's no single timeline because every patient's treatment plan is different.

Medical weight management can begin with an individualized treatment plan and ongoing follow-up. If you're pursuing bariatric surgery, the process may include insurance requirements, nutrition visits, medical testing, behavioral health evaluation and other preparation before surgery.

Our team will help you understand your individual timeline and what you need to complete at each step.

Many insurance plans cover certain obesity treatments, but benefits vary significantly by plan.

Depending on your coverage, benefits may include medical weight management, visits with specialists, nutrition services, prescription medications or bariatric surgery. Your insurance company may also have specific eligibility or authorization requirements.

We recommend contacting your insurance company to understand your specific benefits.

Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery when certain medical and eligibility requirements are met, but not every plan includes bariatric surgery benefits.

Your insurance company may require documentation of your BMI and weight-related health conditions, supervised weight management, nutrition counseling or other evaluations before authorizing surgery.

Because requirements vary by plan, our team will help guide you through the process once you begin your bariatric journey.

Start by contacting your insurance company and asking specifically whether your plan includes benefits for bariatric or metabolic surgery.

It may also be helpful to ask:

• Whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit.
• What BMI or medical criteria you must meet.
• Whether a physician referral is required.
• Whether supervised weight management is required before surgery.
• Whether nutrition or behavioral health visits are required.
• Whether prior authorization is required.
• Which bariatric procedures are covered.
• What your deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket responsibility may be.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare participates with many commercial and government-sponsored insurance plans. However, participation and coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and benefits.

We recommend confirming that both TMH and the providers involved in your care participate with your specific insurance plan before receiving services.

Coverage for GLP-1 and other FDA-approved weight loss medications varies considerably by insurance plan. Some plans cover medications for obesity treatment, while others exclude weight loss medications or require prior authorization.

Your Obesity Medicine provider can determine whether medication may be medically appropriate for you. Your insurance company or pharmacy benefit manager can provide information about coverage, authorization requirements and your potential out-of-pocket cost.

If a medication isn't covered, talk with your care team before assuming you don't have other options.

Your provider can discuss other evidence-based treatments that may be appropriate for you, including alternative medications, nutrition and lifestyle interventions or, for eligible patients, bariatric surgery.

Lack of insurance coverage doesn't necessarily mean surgery is no longer an option.

TMH offers self-pay options for bariatric surgery for patients whose insurance does not cover surgery or who choose to pay for their procedure directly.

Our team can provide current self-pay pricing, explain what's included and help you understand the next steps.

TMH offers transparent self-pay options for bariatric surgery. Because pricing and what's included may change, contact our bariatric team for current self-pay pricing and details.

Before moving forward, we'll help you understand what is included in the self-pay package and whether there may be additional costs associated with your care.

Self Pay Information

Contact our bariatric team for the current self-pay package and a detailed explanation of what's included.

When considering self-pay surgery, it's important to understand not only the cost of the operation but also whether services such as preoperative testing, physician services, anesthesia, hospital care and follow-up are included or billed separately.

We'll help you understand those costs before you make a decision.

If your health plan doesn't include bariatric surgery benefits or you choose not to use insurance for your procedure, ask our team whether the self-pay option may be available to you.

We'll help you understand your options before you make a financial commitment.

Coverage for medical weight management varies by insurance plan. If your plan doesn't cover Obesity Medicine or other weight management services, contact our team to ask about available self-pay options and current pricing.

For questions specific to the weight loss or bariatric program, contact the Center for Weight Loss & Bariatric Care so our team can help direct you to the appropriate resource.

For general questions about insurance participation, billing, financial assistance or estimates for TMH services, you can also contact TMH Patient Financial Services.