No Delays in Care: Bariatric Surgery As Quickly As 90 Days at Grand Health Partners

Authored by Grand Health Partners

If you’ve been watching the news or searching for surgical care in Michigan, you may have come across recent reports about anesthesia staffing shortages affecting surgical schedules in some health systems. These shortages have caused delays in elective procedures and created understandable concern among patients who are ready to take the next step in their health journey.

At Grand Health Partners, we want to reassure you: we are not experiencing an anesthesia shortage, and we are able to schedule bariatric surgery within 90 days for most patients.

We recognize how important it is to move forward with your health goals once you’ve made the decision to pursue bariatric surgery. Delays can be disheartening, especially when you’ve already completed months of preparation, consultations, and insurance requirements. That’s why we’ve worked diligently with our partner hospitals and care teams to ensure that our patients continue to have timely access to life-changing surgical care—without unnecessary wait times.

What’s Causing Surgical Delays in 2025?

Across the country, healthcare systems are navigating staffing shortages, particularly in key areas like anesthesia services. Factors contributing to these challenges include:

• Workforce retirements
  
• Burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic
  
• Regional recruitment difficulties
  

In some regions, these challenges have led to surgical postponements, including for elective and medically necessary procedures such as bariatric surgery. While this has understandably created concern, it’s important to remember that the impact varies by provider and location.

Grand Health Partners is Fully Staffed and Fully Operational

Despite these broader trends, Grand Health Partners continues to operate without delay. Thanks to our strong partnerships with local hospitals and anesthesia providers, we have not been impacted by the staffing shortages affecting other systems. This means that we are able to maintain our commitment to timely, patient-centered care.

For patients considering bariatric surgery, that translates into:

• Surgery within 90 days for most patients following their initial consultation
  
• No scheduling backlogs due to anesthesia staffing
  
• Seamless coordination with hospital partners for surgical care
  

Our team works closely with hospital leadership, surgical staff, and anesthesia groups to ensure that every patient receives safe, high-quality care on a timely schedule.

Why Timely Bariatric Surgery Matters

Bariatric surgery is not simply a cosmetic procedure. It is a proven medical intervention for the treatment of obesity and a wide range of related health conditions. Delaying surgery can mean more than just pushing back a date—it can impact your overall health and well-being.

Conditions commonly improved or resolved after bariatric surgery include:

• Type 2 diabetes
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Sleep apnea
  
• Joint pain and mobility challenges
  
• Fatty liver disease
  
• Heart disease risk
  

When patients face extended wait times for surgery, they may also face a decline in physical or emotional health. That’s why our team at Grand Health Partners is committed to minimizing delays and helping you begin your transformation as soon as you’re ready.

What Sets Grand Health Partners Apart

Our ability to maintain timely surgical care is the result of careful planning, coordination, and a patient-first approach. Here’s how we make it happen:

Strong Hospital Partnerships

We partner with reputable hospitals that share our standards for quality care, safety, and efficiency. These relationships allow us to reserve operating room availability and coordinate schedules to ensure our patients stay on track.

Reliable Anesthesia Coverage

We work with experienced anesthesia teams who understand the unique needs of bariatric surgery. These providers are committed to supporting our surgical schedule and ensuring patient safety throughout the perioperative experience.

Streamlined Patient Journey

From the moment you begin your journey with Grand Health Partners, our clinical coordinators, dietitians, and support staff work together to help you meet every requirement and get surgery scheduled as efficiently as possible.

Personalized Support

Whether you’re going through insurance approval or choosing to self-pay, our team walks you through each step—from medical clearances to nutritional counseling to surgery prep—so you never feel like you’re navigating it alone.

What to Expect: Your Timeline to Surgery

Patients often ask how long it takes from the first consultation to the operating room. At Grand Health Partners, we’ve built a system that allows most patients to move through the process in 90 days or less, depending on insurance and medical requirements.

Here’s a look at what the process typically involves:

Initial Consultation

Meet with one of our board-certified bariatric surgeons to determine which procedure is right for you and begin mapping out your personalized treatment plan.

Medical Clearances

Complete any necessary labs, cardiac testing, and psychological assessments to ensure you’re medically ready for surgery.

Insurance Approval or Financial Planning

Our insurance specialists help you navigate prior authorizations, or we’ll walk you through affordable self-pay options if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Pre-Op Education

Attend our required education session where you’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery—including important lifestyle changes.

Surgery Within 90 Days

Once cleared and approved, you’ll be scheduled for surgery at one of our trusted hospital partners. No anesthesia delays, no months-long backlog.

Post-Op Follow-Up

You’ll have regular check-ins with your care team, including nutrition and behavioral health, to ensure lasting success.

The Bottom Line

Anesthesia shortages may be making headlines in Michigan and across the country—but they are not impacting patient care at Grand Health Partners. Our patients continue to receive safe, timely access to bariatric surgery with no delays related to staffing.

If you’ve been told you need to wait months for surgery, or if you’re just beginning to explore your options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to wait endlessly for the care you need. At Grand Health Partners, we’re ready when you are.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re ready to take control of your health and start your weight loss journey, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our program. You could be just 90 days away from a healthier, more energized you.

Request a consultation to get started.