Introduction
Deciding on bariatric surgery is a courageous first step toward a healthier and more active life. For residents of Edina, Minneapolis, and all Twin Cities, finding a local partner who understands Minnesota’s unique health landscape is vital. At the Minnesota Bariatric Center, located at 6600 France Ave S, we specialize in helping patients navigate the medical, emotional, and financial path to lasting weight loss.
Am I a candidate? Understanding BMI requirements in MN
Most health insurance providers in Minnesota follow standard clinical guidelines to determine eligibility. Generally, you may qualify if you have:
BMI of 40 or higher: Regardless of other health conditions.
BMI of 35 to 39.9: Combined with a comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease or severe sleep apnea.
Documented weight loss attempts: Evidence that you have tried supervised weight loss programs in the past.
Certain insurances such as Cigna and Medica now follow the most recent ASMBS/IFSO recommendations and approve surgery in patients with BMI>35 or BMI>30 with a comorbidity. Since obesity is a chronic disease with significant long-term implications for patients’ health, we anticipate that more insurances will follow suit and lower their thresholds for approving bariatric surgery in the near future.
Special Employer-Provided Benefits: Lantern, Transcarent, and BARINet
In addition to conventional insurance plans, many large employers in Minnesota offer supplemental health benefits specifically designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for bariatric surgery. Minnesota Bariatric Center is proud to be a preferred provider in Minnesota for several of these specialized benefit conveyors, including:
These programs are often utilized by major corporations with a large presence in the Twin Cities, such as Delta Airlines, Medtronic, Home Depot, and Tyson Foods. These supplemental benefits frequently offer no co-pays, travel coverage, and dedicated care coordination.
If you work for a large national or local employer, we highly recommend checking with your HR department or benefits portal to see if you have access to these “center of excellence” programs. As a preferred partner, our Edina office is uniquely equipped to help you maximize these specific employer-provided rewards.
Choosing the Right Procedure: Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass
At our clinic in Edina, we primarily focus on the two “gold standard” procedures:
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve gastrectomy): The most popular choice in Minnesota. We remove a portion of the stomach to create a “sleeve” shape, which limits food intake and reduces the “hunger hormone” (ghrelin).
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): A more intensive procedure that reroutes the digestive system. Often recommended for patients with severe acid reflux disease (GERD) or advanced type 2 diabetes.
Navigating Insurance Coverage in the Twin Cities
One of the biggest challenges for patients is understanding their benefits. Fortunately, many of Minnesota’s leading insurers—including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Medica, and UCare—offer coverage for bariatric procedures when medical need is proven.
At Minnesota Bariatric Center, we offer a free insurance check. Our team at 6600 France Ave S works directly with your provider to determine:
- Whether your specific plan includes bariatric benefit.
- What your maximum out-of-pocket costs or co-payments would be.
- What pre-operative requirements (such as nutritional counseling) are mandatory.
Why choose the Minnesota Bariatric Center in Edina?
Location is key. Post-operative care requires several follow-up visits during the first year. Being centrally located on France Avenue means you have easy access to top-tier medical support without the stress of a long commute. Our local expertise ensures you’re not just a number—you’re a neighbor.
Your journey starts here
Ready to get back to your health for North Shore excursions or active weekends at Centennial Lakes Park?
Schedule your appointment in Edina today
Visit us at 6600 France Ave S., Suite 605, Edina, MN 55435.