Frequently Asked Questions
Obesity increases your risk of potentially life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases make normal daily activities difficult, are expensive to treat and significantly decrease life expectancy.
Weight loss surgery is the most effective method for helping people who have been unsuccessful at losing weight using diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery enables patients to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss over the long term.
Undergoing weight loss surgery is a major decision that will permanently alter your life. To be successful, you must be prepared to make permanent changes to many of your present behaviors. People who make these lifestyle changes achieve significant weight loss and experience better health, greater mobility and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
Your final weight loss depends on multiple factors including your starting weight, the current state of your health and your ability to adhere to lifestyle changes. The more effort you put in, the more successful you will be at achieving and maintaining optimal weight loss.
This is a common question. Each surgical approach has different weight loss profiles and the amount of data available on long term weight loss varies. Many factors go into making a decision about which surgery is best suited for you. Your preferences and goals for weight and restoration of health are important factors in helping you make the correct decision. During your initial consultation, we would be happy to discuss all surgery options with you in more detail and recommend the best option for your individual health needs.
In regards to insurance coverage, tax deductions, and what the best course of action would be for your unique situation, please consult your insurance provider and preferred financial professional.
Generally, weight loss surgery is an option for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. You may also be eligible if your BMI is 35 or above and you have a diagnosis for one or more obesity-related health conditions (e.g. diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure).
Bariatric surgery is generally recommendable for adults aged 18 to 65, but exceptions can be made based on individual circumstances.
Yes, weight loss surgery can be a viable option for individuals with diabetes, especially if it is challenging to manage through traditional methods like diet and medication. Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, often leads to significant weight loss and can improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes in many patients.
After the surgery, you must adhere to a strict diet, exercise regularly, and attend follow-up appointments to ensure success and monitor for complications. Counseling and support groups also help maintain positive lifestyle changes.
Doctors typically recommend waiting 12-18 months after surgery before getting pregnant. This waiting period allows your body to adjust, ensuring adequate nutrient absorption for both mother and baby.
Some programs require preoperative weight loss to reduce surgical risks. However, the primary focus is on a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes, not necessarily weight loss before surgery.
The effectiveness of weight loss surgery varies by individual. Gastric bypass and BPD/DS generally offer the most significant weight loss, but sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric band are likewise effective with fewer complications.
Although recovery times vary, patients can expect a hospital stay of 1-3 days for most surgeries and a return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
Are weight loss surgeries covered by insurance?
Bariatric surgery may qualify for insurance, but coverage details vary. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
As part of a patient’s treatment plan following any weight loss procedure, their doctor or registered dietitian will provide specific post-surgery dietary instructions. Generally, post-surgery patients should follow a specific diet that progresses from liquids to pureed foods and finally to solid foods. Lifelong dietary changes and vitamin supplementation are also necessary to ensure proper nutrition, avoid deficiencies, and prevent excess weight gain.
Some procedures, like the adjustable gastric band, are reversible. However, most surgeries, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are permanent and cannot be undone.