Your path to better health
Our program provides personalized, comprehensive care under one roof. We are there for you every step of the way. We work with you to ensure you receive the education and support needed to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.
Take the first step now (For care in Eau Claire)
Call: (715) 858-4747 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Take the first step now (For care in Marshfield)
1. Complete the 5-minute health risk assessment to see if you qualify (required before the online information session).
2. Watch the online information session (20 minutes) to learn qualifications, the evaluation process and nutrition guidelines. The link to the session will be sent if you qualify through the risk assessment in step one.
Prefer to talk? Call our bariatric surgery coordinator at (800) 782-8581 ext. 17422 or (715) 221-7422 for help with next steps.
Who qualifies for bariatric surgery
You may qualify if you have:
- BMI greater than or equal to 40, or a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with at least one comorbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, PCOS, arthritis and others)
- Documented serious attempts at weight loss, readiness for lifestyle changes, and agreement to lifelong follow-up with your care team
Procedures we offer
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the small intestine to reduce intake and absorption
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes approximately 75% of the stomach to limit intake and can be performed robotically with the da Vinci® Surgical System
- Adjustable gastric band (LAPBAND) revisions and removals: We no longer place new bands, but maintain, revise or remove existing ones
- Revisions and complex cases: Experienced surgeons welcome complex and revision cases for evaluation
What to expect
Timeline and process
- The evaluation phase typically takes 6–12 months, depending on insurance requirements and program progress
- Hospital stay is usually 1–2 days and many return to work around 4 weeks (varies by procedure and occupation)
- Most weight loss occurs in the first 12–18 months
Day of surgery
- You’ll meet anesthesia, undergo your procedure, and recover in the post-anesthesia care unit and our team will stay with you from pre-op through discharge
Follow-up care
- Standard checkups: 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, then annually with some later visits available via Telehealth depending on stability
Patient stories
Meet Ashley
Among other concerns, Ashley felt winded when walking and wasn’t ovulating regularly, making it difficult to get pregnant.
Meet Darren and Danielle
Obesity, sleep apnea and type 1 diabetes left this couple wondering whether they would be able to care for children.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Do I qualify?
Most patients qualify with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 or a BMI greater than or equal to 35 plus a comorbidity (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, PCOS). You’ll also need documented efforts at weight loss and willingness for lifelong follow-up.
Start here: Complete the health risk assessment to confirm eligibility and unlock the online information session.
Which procedures are available?
We offer Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy (including robotic da Vinci®) and LAPBAND revisions and removals. We also evaluate revisions and complex cases.
How much weight will I lose?
Many patients lose 100 or more pounds, depending on personal factors and procedure type. Your team will help set realistic goals.
How long does the process take?
The evaluation phase is typically 6–12 months. For post-op, expect a 1–2 day hospital stay and approximately 4 weeks before returning to work (varies). Significant weight loss occurs over 12–18 months.
What happens the day of surgery?
You’ll meet anesthesia, undergo surgery and recover in post-anesthesia care unit. Our team will support you from pre-op to discharge.
What follow-up is required?
Standard visits at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12 months and then annually. Later checkups may be available via telehealth depending on stability.
What support is available?
Free support groups meet the second Tuesday (6:30–7:30 p.m.) and third Friday (10–11 a.m.) each month. A private group is active on Facebook and a mentorship program is also available.
How does insurance work?
Use our insurance coverage worksheet to verify benefits, then we’ll help seek authorization. If not covered, options include appeals, selecting a plan that covers bariatrics or a prepayment program (many required visits may still be covered). Connect with the patient assistance center for fee estimates and billing questions.
Where can I have surgery?
- Marshfield Medical Center (Marshfield): MBSAQIP Accredited, Blue Distinction Center: Offers comprehensive procedures and follow-up
- Marshfield Medical Center–Eau Claire: Offers LAPBAND revisions, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and follow-up