Paul Benn, MD, and Mike
Weight-Loss Surgeon and Patient
The decision to have weight-loss surgery is a big one. In addition to having questions about the different surgeries—which one is best for you and the impact it will have on your life—you may also be wondering how it will affect your family and your job.
At the Weight Loss Clinic, we are here to help answer those questions and provide you with all the information you're looking for. Our patients often attend more than one information session before making a decision - and that's okay. We offer a variety of ways for you to get to know our surgeons and staff, from our online seminar to support groups to education events.
We look forward to getting to know you and taking the journey to a healthier lifestyle together.
Online Seminar
Before meeting with our experts, we recommend viewing our online weight-loss surgery seminar. You will learn about the different types of weight-loss surgeries we provide, including who is the best candidate for each procedure. We also outline what you can expect before and after each procedure and how to work with your insurance company.
Information Sessions
We invite you to attend a presentation on our weight-loss surgery program at Fairview Southdale Hospital. Our professional medical staff will guide you through a discussion of the history of weight loss surgery, qualifications for surgery and risks and benefits of the surgery. Sessions are held several times a month at Fairview Southdale Hospital in the Au Fait Room (park in the Skyway Ramp).
- View our schedule to register online.
Weight-Loss Surgery Support Group
The Fairview Southdale Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Support Group is a patient-lead forum that meets monthly. Facilitated by our staff, the support group shares experiences, provide encouragement, and education and is open to those who have had weight loss surgery, are scheduled for surgery, and those whom are considering surgery. We meet:
3rd Wednesday of the month
6-7:30 p.m.
Au Fait Room, Fairview Southdale Hospital
6-7:30 p.m.
Au Fait Room, Fairview Southdale Hospital
2013 Dates
Insurance Information
We are an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence and a preferred provider for many insurance companies. Because every insurance plan is different, it is important to become informed about your insurance coverage prior to your first clinic visit. Many companies have specific documentation or requirements in order to be approved for surgery. Please call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about your plan’s benefits. You may also want to visit your plan’s website and print out the information related to weight loss surgery. Our staff is experts at working with patients and supplying the information your insurance company may request for authorization. Please ask our staff for help if you have any questions.
Steps to Weight Loss
Once you decide to have weight-loss surgery, your surgeon will create a customized weight loss plan that will include a combination of behavioral, dietary and lifestyle changes.
Before surgery
Preparing for surgery
Your surgery
Following surgery
- April 17: Let’s talk! As requested per group members, we will devote at least 4 sessions per year to talking instead of speakers. We will start as a group and divide into w smaller groups.
- May 15: Back by popular request: “Big Pants” night. This is a night when patients share their journeys and successes. Bring pictures of your journey if you’d like to share.
- June 19: Donna Ziemer, MS, RD, RN will review vitamins and minerals necessary to stay healthy as well as post-op labs that are recommended.
- July 17: Annual summer picnic in the Au Fait Room. Bring a dish to pass if you wish. Beverages and tableware provided. This will be another time to “just talk.”
- Aug. 21 – A former patient who is 10 years post-op, will talk about her weight loss journey. Let’s join her to hear about her journey and congratulate her success!
- Sept. 18: Laura Nielsen, Psy.D., LP will provide helpful information on mindful eating and strategies to continue successful weight loss.
- Oct. 16: TBA
- Nov. 20: TBA
- Dec. 18 – Join us for the annual Holiday Party. Bring a dish to pass if you wish. Beverages and tableware provided.
Insurance Information
We are an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence and a preferred provider for many insurance companies. Because every insurance plan is different, it is important to become informed about your insurance coverage prior to your first clinic visit. Many companies have specific documentation or requirements in order to be approved for surgery. Please call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to inquire about your plan’s benefits. You may also want to visit your plan’s website and print out the information related to weight loss surgery. Our staff is experts at working with patients and supplying the information your insurance company may request for authorization. Please ask our staff for help if you have any questions.
Steps to Weight Loss
Once you decide to have weight-loss surgery, your surgeon will create a customized weight loss plan that will include a combination of behavioral, dietary and lifestyle changes.
Before surgery
- An initial evaluation begins with a physician assistant to review your medical history and discuss your goals and options. You'll also meet with a dietitian.
- A psychological assessment helps identify the type of support you need to maintain your goals.
- A consultation with a surgeon provides you with an opportunity to get more information about your procedure and what to expect.
Preparing for surgery
- Changing your lifestyle is an important part of success. Our class "Weight-Loss Surgery and You" will provide specific tools for your surgery.
- We'll create a plan to begin your weight loss before surgery.
Your surgery
- Most surgeries last one to two-and-a-half hours, followed by one to two days in the hospital. You'll be cared for by nurses experienced in weight-loss surgery.
Following surgery
- You'll meet with a physician assistant, physical therapist, nurse educator and dietitian to monitor your progress and address your questions or concerns.
- If you have adjustable gastric band surgery, your first adjustment will take place about six weeks following surgery. Additional assessments will take place monthly until your BMI is less than 30.
- At three, six months and one year, you'll have a follow-up visit with a physician assistant and dietitian.
- We encourage you to attend monthly support groups.
