Weight-loss surgery continues to increase in popularity and many healthcare beneficiaries are pressing for coverage. While it may be the most expensive tool for weight management, surgery can bring a positive return if its effects are maintained for the long term.

Unfortunately, research has shown that without changes in lifestyle, such as incorporating exercise into one’s routine behavior, the weight loss achieved by surgery is difficult to maintain over time. Worse, patients discover numerous ways of intentionally undermining the restrictions placed on the size of their portions. These factors can result in a return to their original body weight. Success can be short-lived unless clients change the way they cope with the emotional and stress-related events of their lives.

At a fraction of the cost of surgery, the Sound Health Connects SURGICAL WRAP-AROUND PROGRAM can be offered to beneficiaries both as an alternative to weight-loss surgery and as a prerequisite for seeking surgery. We help participants recognize that, rather than a magic bullet, surgery is one of the tools that can help them manage their weight when accompanied by a new lifestyle of healthy routines.

Our SURGICAL WRAP-AROUND PROGRAM includes the integrated Nutrition, Fitness, Coaching and Change components of our other programs, but specially prepares clients for the specific limitations required by their surgery. The fitness activities needed for long-term weight management should already be in place by the time of surgery.

We support of whatever decision the client makes about going through with their decision to have surgery. Many of our pre-surgery participants, however, change their minds about having the operation, finding that they can reach their goals without it. This decision creates a significant savings for the benefit provider.

The pre-surgical phase of the program is typically six months long and the post-surgical phase is for one year. Sound Health Connects is not involved with the surgery itself but coordinates care with the surgeon and surgical center which the client selects.