For Patients & Customers

Qualifications and Eligibility

Am I qualified for weight loss surgery?
To qualify for surgery, a person must be at least 100 pounds overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or have a BMI of 35 or greater with two or more actively treated diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis.

Body Mass Index is calculated as follows:
Weight/Height²

To calculate your body mass index, visit LAP-Band AP System.

Lowest mortality = BMI < 25 kg/m²
Highest mortality = BMI > 40 kg/m²
BMI > 40 = approximately 100 lbs. over ideal body weight

Qualifying for surgery is a thorough process, with patients receiving a number of health assessments. Attendance at education classes is mandatory.

Will my insurance company pay for weight loss surgery?
When considering weight loss surgery, it is extremely important that you first check with your insurance company regarding eligibility and to determine if there are any exclusions in your policy. It is a good idea to have your Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated before making the call.

If your insurance company will not pay for weight loss surgery, pre-pay options are available. Please visit with the Surgical Weight Loss Clinical Coordinator for more information.

For more information, call the Surgical Weight Loss Clinical Coordinator at (701) 530-6330 or 1-800-472-2113 ext. 6330.

Surgical Weight Loss Support Group – Click for information.

Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) l Mission Statement l Our Team l Frequently Asked Questions About St. Alexius Weight Loss Surgery l Qualifications and Eligibility l Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding l Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery l Sleeve Gastrectomy