BlueCross of Texas recently reviewed its requirements for covering bariatric surgical procedures such as the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.  In particular, BlueCross looked at available medical data to determine whether it makes sense for a health insurance company to require patients to go through six months of monitored diet supervision before covering bariatric surgery.  After review, BlueCross of Texas has determined that it will no longer mandate a certain time in the diet process before it authorizes surgery for its beneficiaries.

Bariatric surgeons have long known that insurance company policies that impose administrative waiting periods on patients who are properly qualified and properly prepared for bariatric surgery does NOT promote improved health outcomes.  We are pleased to observe that a large health insurer is updating its policy to fit with medical facts, and we compliment BlueCross for undertaking this review.  We hope that other health insurance companies will follow suit in the near future.

We are actively working to help our BlueCross patients move toward surgery without any further delay.

Dr. Brian Sabowitz is Board certified in Internal Medicine.  He is the Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Medicine at New Dimensions Weight Loss in San Antonio, Texas, one of the few truly integrated bariatric medicine and bariatric surgery clinics in the country.  Dr. Sabowitz is on the clinical faculty of the Department of Endocrinology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and is the principal investigator on a UTHSCSA funded research program titled “Impact of Mechanical Unloading, Nutrition, and Neuro-Hormonal Mediators on Bone Metabolism after Bariatric Surgery.” 

Bariatric physicians practice weight loss or management by reducing body fat using an individualized approach crafted for the patient.  Bariatricians use medical methods including dietary modification, exercise prescription, psychological support and when appropriate, medication. 

Dr. Sabowitz commented on his recent appointment, “It is an honor to serve in an organization whose primary focus is whatever is in the best interest of patient care.  It is a particular joy to be serving along side so many of the people who have been my mentors over the years.” 

                For more information or to contact the Denver-based association, please visit www.asbp.org or call (303)770-2526.  Dr.Sabowitz is available for interviews by calling (210) 614-3370.

Coupons will be distributed at the seminar,  and can be redeemed at our Huebner Road office.  Sign up today! 

Dr. Brian Sabowitz is Board certified in Internal Medicine.  He is the Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Medicine at New Dimensions Weight Loss in San Antonio, Texas, one of the few truly integrated bariatric medicine and bariatric surgery clinics in the country.  Dr. Sabowitz is on the clinical faculty of the Department of Endocrinology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and is the principal investigator on a UTHSCSA funded research program titled “Impact of Mechanical Unloading, Nutrition, and Neuro-Hormonal Mediators on Bone Metabolism after Bariatric Surgery.”

Bariatric physicians practice weight loss or management by reducing body fat using an individualized approach crafted for the patient. Bariatricians use medical methods including dietary modification, exercise prescription, psychological support and when appropriate, medication. 

Dr. Sabowitzcommented on his recent appointment, “It is an honor to serve in an organization whose primary focus is whatever is in the best interest of patient care.  It is a particular joy to be serving along side so many of the people who have been my mentors over the years.”

For more information or to contact the Denver-based association, please visit www.asbp.org or call (303)770-2526.  Dr. Sabowitzis available for interviews by calling (210) 610-9210.

Our Surgeons and Bariatric Specialist are advocates, teachers, researchers, and mentors for other practices and doctors nationwide.  Their work at the forefront of bariatric technology has helped to create national standards for gastric band surgery and new educational tools and techniques making procedures safer, more effective, and less invasive.

Maintaining our reputation as a front-runner in innovation, New Dimensions is now home to one of only 45 surgeons in the United States trained to complete an exciting new procedure called Laparoscopic Greater Curve Plication. We are proud to announce the addition to our available options, and proud to again be the first in San Antonio to provide our patients with new, exciting technology to aid them in their journey to health and happiness.  

Learn more about Laparoscopic Greater Curve Plication here, or sign up for a FREE seminar for more information.

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The youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA) Chamber Music Quartet will greet guests from 6:45 to 7:30pm. The dance band,

Groove Knight from Austin, Texas, will perform from 7:30 to 11:00pm. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar provided.

According to Ms. Carolyn Smiser, organizer and sleeve patient, “This Recognition Gala is a celebration to honor the New Dimensions’ patients on their weight loss journey. This is not a contest for the person having lost the most weight, but a moment to reflect on how far we have all come in our battle to restore our health and reclaim our lives.”

Attire is “black tie.” Admission is $15 per person, $25 per couple. Seating is limited seating, so make your reservation today by calling 210.614.3370.

There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than a fresh salad. This salad has all the zip without the calorie load.

Ingredients

1 t. canola oil

1/2 c. sliced onion

1 sliced mild chili pepper

1 c. sliced bell pepper

8 oz. raw chicken tenders, cut into thick strips

1 t. granulated garlic

1 t. chili powder

1 t. dried oregano

6 c. romaine lettuce, chopped

1 c. sliced fresh tomatoes

1/4 c. green onions, sliced

1 c. sliced cucumbers

1 T. oil

3 T. flavored vinegar

Preparation

Step 1

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; saute´ the onions and peppers in the oil until golden, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Add the chicken tenders and the seasonings; continue cooking until the chicken is done, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Place the chicken on a serving platter.

Step 4

Place the lettuce and fresh vegetables in a large salad bowl.

Step 5

Serve items family-style with oil and vinegar on the side.
Optional accompaniments: baked blue corn chips, avocado, and cooked brown rice.

Long-time healthcare partners of New Dimensions, Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, and Methodist Texsan Heart Hospital have dropped their cash pay prices for band, sleeve, and bypass surgeries.

The hospitals will charge cash pay patients $8,250, $9,250, and $10,250, respectively. These rates do not include the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, nor cover possible extended stays

Selecting the surgeons at New Dimensions, who recently reduced their prices, is the most economical option for patients seeking weight loss surgery in South Central Texas.