| Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center
For more information about our program, call 713.242.4600 or visit MHNewStart.org
Are you ready for a New Start?
You can overcome obesity and start living a healthier life with NewStart, Memorial Hermann's surgical weight-loss program. Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center's team of nationally recognized weight-loss surgeons, specially trained nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals and peer support groups work together to guide you through the entire life-changing process. We'll answer questions about your surgical options and assist with insurance approval and paperwork, as well as nutrition and behavioral changes that will help ensure your success.
Our entire NewStart team is at your disposal, from pre-surgical counseling and information sessions to post-surgical recovery and support. So you get everything you need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your life.
Our Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
Memorial Hermann Memorial City's comprehensive, award-winning program has been designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). ASMBS designates as Centers of Excellence those programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes for weight-loss surgery. The rate of complications for ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence is extremely low. Visit surgicalreview.org for more information on the ASMBS designation.
Information When and Where You Want It
Because we put the needs of our patients first, NewStart offers several convenient ways to access information about weight-loss surgery. You're welcome to join us for a live seminar at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, or you can interact with our surgeons during a live online webinar in the privacy of your own home. Our webinars are archived for later viewing.
We also offer an online educational seminar that explains everything from A to Z, including preparation for surgery, what you can expect from each type of procedure and how best to enjoy your new, healthier life. You can access the seminar at mhnewstart.org at any time of the day or night.
Are You a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?
To qualify, you should:
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater with or without comorbidities (medical problems or conditions that negatively affect your health), or a BMI of 35 or greater, to qualify for insurance coverage of a weight-loss procedure
• Be between the ages of 18 and 70
• Be able to show a serious past attempt to lose weight medically, through exercise or through programs such as Weight Watchers? or Jenny Craig?
• Have no significant physical, medical, emotional or psychological problems that would dramatically increase the risk of surgery
• Be able to participate in treatment and lifetime follow-up
Preparing for Change
Weight-loss surgery is synonymous with change – from a physiological, sociological and lifestyle point of view. To support all this change, the NewStart team at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center has developed a program to address virtually every issue you're likely to face in the months and years after surgery.
We're with our patients every step of the way as they undergo changes in body metabolism, in attitudes about food and eating, in self-image, in body image and in relationships among family, friends and coworkers. After your surgery, we'll help you stay focused on lifestyle changes, which include learning to eat and drink differently and incorporating activity into your daily life. These changes may be challenging for you in the beginning, but committing to them will maximize the benefits of your surgery and give you the best chance for long-term success.
Our NewStart support group will allow you to share your personal journey and experience with others who understand and support your goals. Through the process of sharing, you'll encourage others to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Our support group meets regularly, and we strive to keep in close contact with our weight-loss surgery patients to maintain a high follow-up rate.
Insurance and Weight-Loss Surgery
Many insurance companies have specific guidelines for determining whether weight-loss surgery will be covered. If you're considering surgery, our insurance coordinator can assist you in calling your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers the procedure and to determine the guidelines for approval.
Since insurance plans vary, be sure to familiarize yourself with your insurer's medical review process, levels of coverage, deductibles and co-payments. If your insurance provider excludes this type of surgery from your policy, we do have financing options available. Please call us for more information on financing your surgery.
Make Your New Start Today
Visit MHNewStart.org to learn more about weight-loss procedures, including adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch/biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, revisions and reversals and life after surgery. We're here to help.
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