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Weight-Loss Surgery

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Bariatric Surgery
Weight-Loss Surgery

Many people struggle to lose weight and improve their health. That’s because obesity is a complex disease that often needs more treatment than diet and exercise alone. If you feel like you've run out of options and your weight is affecting your well-being, weight-loss surgery may be your missing tool. Our experienced team has helped more than 2,500 people reclaim their health. You could be next.

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Take the first step toward surgery

Are you just starting to consider weight-loss surgery? Have you been thinking about it for years? No matter how long the topic has been on your mind, we make it easy to learn more about your options at Gundersen. Get started with our free Weight-Loss Surgery Seminar.

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Choices
Weight-loss procedure options

Weight-loss surgery can be life changing, but what’s best for one person may not be for you. That's why we offer choices, including:

  • Minimally invasive gastric bypass (laparoscopic Roux en Y)
  • Gastric sleeve surgery
  • Adjustable gastric banding maintenance, removal and conversion
  • Orbera® intragastric balloon (non-surgical)
Explore options
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Qualifications
Is weight-loss surgery right for you?

To qualify for weight-loss surgery, you must:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or
  • Have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 with significant obesity-related medical problems
  • Have a history of obesity and tried to lose weight in the past
  • Be between 20 and 65 years old (case-by-case basis for patients older than 65 or younger than 20)
  • Not smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol
  • Commit to long-term follow-up care and lifestyle changes
What to expect
Getting started

Preparing for surgery often takes six or more months. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Here's what to expect:

Education: Our free online Weight-Loss Surgery Seminar is the first step toward surgery. You'll also attend nutrition classes and other educational opportunities. 

Evaluations: Medical, psychological and other evaluations will be done to make sure surgery is the best option for you. If it's not, we'll discuss other treatments.

Payment options & insurance: If you use insurance to pay for your surgery, you’ll need to meet your provider’s requirements. We’ll help you navigate this process. If you don’t have insurance or you choose to pay out of pocket, we offer competitive prices. Please contact us for more information.

Scheduling surgery: After you meet all program and insurance requirements, your file will be sent to your insurance company for review. Once you get the green light to proceed, your surgery and all pre-operative appointments will be scheduled.

Long-term follow-up: Choosing weight-loss surgery means choosing lifelong follow-up care. This means regular visits in the first year and annual visits for life. We also offer support groups to help you after surgery.

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We're here to help
Patient education & videos

Bariatric surgery is a big decision, but we're here every step of the way. Find educational handouts and videos, recommended by your trusted Gundersen Bariatric Surgery team.

See Bariatric Surgery education
Experts by your side
Want a second opinion?

Maybe you want options. Maybe you’ve been told a certain weight-loss surgery isn’t for you. Maybe you just want peace of mind. There’s no wrong reason for seeking a second opinion, and our experts are here to help.

Call us at (608) 775-0055
Safe, high-quality care

Weight-Loss Surgery at Gundersen has been accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) since 2007. This recognition means we're always working to offer the safest, highest-quality care possible.

Learn more
Bariatric Support Group
Mon, Jun 12 2023
Mon, Jul 10 2023
Mon, Aug 14 2023
Mon, Sep 11 2023
Mon, Oct 9 2023
and more...
Weight-loss surgery is a life-changing event. Stay connected with the bariatric team and fellow bariatric surgery patients who have gone through similar challenges and victories. Register today.
MBSAQIP accreditation seal
Related services
Weight Management
Looking for treatments that don't involve surgery? See our other options.
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Nutrition Counseling
It can be confusing to know how to fuel your body. Get help from our registered dietitians.
Learn more
Health & Wellness
Ideas for staying active? Mental health tips? Healthy recipes? Support your weight-loss journey with our online Health & Wellness library.
Explore topics
Grateful patient
Weight-loss surgery helps Coon Valley woman reclaim her health 

March 29, 2023

Bariatric surgery changes lives every day. See how gastric sleeve surgery at Gundersen Health System helped one woman reclaim her health—and life.
How to connect

Check with your insurance company to see if you need a referral before making an appointment.

Schedule an appointment

Call (608) 775-0055
Interested in weight-loss surgery? Let's get started.

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

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