Metabolism & Weight Management
The Metabolism Center in Billings, MT provides comprehensive team-based weight management care for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. The team understands that obesity is not a personal choice but a disease with serious health consequences. It is a chronic disease that is challenging to treat.
The team consists of obesity medicine specialist, endocrinologist, board certified surgeons, nurse practitioner, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, licensed clinical social worker, and nursing support staff.
The overall goal of obesity management and treatment is to improve your quality of life, improve your health, and improve your body weight. The Metabolic Center offers both medical and surgical treatment options with a focus on the four pillars:
- metabolism
- behavior modification
- physical activity
- dietary management
Obesity is a Medical Condition
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing medical condition. The disease of obesity can lead to a variety of illnesses and health conditions. Weight loss can help prevent, resolve and/or better manage these conditions.
This reality leads to frustration and depression. Billings Clinic is here to help through our Weight Management Services. Our comprehensive programs are designed to help you lose weight and become healthier.
Obesity is very di cult to treat. Many “diets” can lead to frustration as they are seldom sustainable for long-term weight loss. Our goal is to help you be successful with lifestyle changes which will be sustainable over a long period of time.
Our team will help you decide which program is best for you. Some things that impact this decision are:
- Insurance Coverage
- Body Mass Index (BMI) - BMI is a calculation using your height and weight. Your current BMI may help you decide which of our programs is most appropriate for you
- Current Medical Conditions
Our Weight Management Team
Our Billings Clinic Weight Management Team is designed to help you with a balanced approach which lays the foundation for long term success. You will work with the following medical professionals:
- Medical Provider – focusing on your overall health throughout your weight management journey
- Dietitian – helping you set and meet nutrition goals and create individualized meal plans
- Social Worker – assisting you with behavior modi cation that will assist you in long-term success
- Trainer – incorporating physical activity which is critical for healthy weight loss and weight maintenance
- Nurse – helping coordinate your care and navigate our programs
- Surgeon – specially trained in metabolic surgery (for those patients who opt to pursue surgical treatment of obesity)
Proven Surgical Treatment Options
Many patients in the U.S. choose surgical treatment options to help balance weight and health. These include:
Weight Loss Services at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT
At Billings Clinic, we treat the whole person. We work with you, focusing on your medical health, nutrition, behaviors and physical activity.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping individuals affected by obesity achieve better health through advocacy, education and support.
Weight Smart Program for Medical Weight Management
Billings Clinic offers a Weight Smart Program for those with a BMI > 30.
This comprehensive, realistic, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary program is based on the Four Pillars of weight management:
- Medical Management
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Behavior
Your doctor may decide weight-loss medication is right for you based on your personal medical history and current medications.
Metabolic (Weight-Loss) Surgery
Metabolic surgery involves several months of preparation prior to the actual operation. This surgery is life changing, and we want to be sure you are set up to be successful.
If metabolic surgery is something you’re considering, please fill out this form to request additional information.
Metabolism Resources
When you've made the decision to improve your health through metabolic options, it's important to have all the right information for you and your family. The following publications and links are intended to help you learn about programs and services available through Billings Clinic Metabolism Center.
Insurance Questions
Contact your insurance company to verify if your plan covers metabolic surgery (bariatric surgery/weight loss surgery). Montana Medicaid does not cover metabolic surgery, but every other plan is different in their coverage. Hear are a few questions to ask:
Does my insurance policy cover bariatric (metabolic) surgery?
They may ask for CPT codes: Gastric Bypass (43644) or Sleeve Gastrectomy (43775). Other terminology your insurance carrier may use is “treatment for morbid obesity,” “weight loss surgery” or “weight loss coverage.”
What is the “Medical Criteria” for bariatric (metabolic) surgery?
Every insurance company requires something different in terms of preparation. You’ll want to be familiar with what your policy requires leading up to surgery.
Do I have to participate in a physician-supervised weight loss program?
Many insurance companies require this before they approve bariatric (metabolic) surgery. If your insurance plan does require this, ask for how long and whether it has to be consecutive months.
Does your insurance coverage depend on where you have your surgery done?
You will want to know if there are any restrictions or networks of providers you need to go to. Keep documentation of your conversation, including who you spoke to and the time and date of conversation. It is a good idea to ask if you could have a copy of your policy explaining your coverage. Ask them to mail or email it to you. Bring this information to your initial appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Metabolic Surgery
What is the difference between metabolic and bariatric surgery?
- They are one and the same. Metabolic surgery, bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery can be used interchangeably.
How do I know if I qualify for surgery?
- If your BMI is >40 you automatically qualify. If your BMI is 35-39.9, you must have at least one weight-related co-morbidity.
How do I know what my BMI is?
- BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculation using your height and weight. You can simply search “BMI calculator” online and enter your height and weight to find out your BMI.
What is a weight-related co-morbidity?
- This a medical condition that often occurs along with obesity that is expected to improve with weight loss. Some of the more common weight-related co-morbidities are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease and joint problems.
How long is the process prior to surgery?
- Patients wanting to have metabolic surgery will spend several months working with our team in preparation for surgery. Metabolic surgery is a big change and involves many lifestyle changes. Our goal is to adequately prepare you so that you have the tools to do be successful long-term.
Who makes up the metabolic surgery team?
- Patients in our program work with a medical provider, dietitian, trainer, licensed clinic social worker and of course a surgeon. We also have a nurse navigator to help coordinate your care throughout the process.
Why should I choose to have surgery at Billings Clinic?
- Our program is accredited by MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program). This means that we must meet and uphold certain standards along with continually improving the quality of our program. Our multi-disciplinary team will help you prepare for surgery and will continue to work with you afterward. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition. This means that surgery doesn’t cure obesity – it is just part of the treatment. Our team will help you manage your obesity long-term.
How do I know if my insurance covers metabolic surgery?
- You can contact our financial liaison at 435-5373 and give her your insurance information (from your insurance card). She will be able to tell you if metabolic surgery is a benefit of your plan. She will also be able to let you know what your estimated out of pocket costs would be.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover metabolic surgery?
- We do offer a cash pay price. You can learn more about cash pay by calling 435-5373.
What if I cannot afford the cash pay price for surgery but need help losing weight?
What are my first steps in preparing for surgery?
Other Resources
Publications
Links & Resources
Find
Locations
Pay a
Make an
Classes
Refer a
Donate to
Get Care