Search Questions & Answers
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Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
Answer:Weight-loss surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:MoreLess- Increased ability for physical activities
- Improved fertility and hormone levels
- Improved quality of life
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved sexual function
- Reduced dependence on medications
- Reduced risk of disease
Studies have shown that many bariatric surgery patients experience remission of obesity-related diseases such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
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Question: Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Answer:There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:MoreLess- Are over the age of 18
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35, regardless of the presence, absence or severity of comorbidities
- Have a metabolic disease such as diabetes with a BMI of 30 to 34.9
- New guidelines also recommend that the BMI threshold be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥ 25 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with a BMI ≥ 27.5 should be offered MBS
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Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consult visit when you talk with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like: -
Question: What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. It is unlikely that your insurance provider will pay 100% of the surgical costs.MoreLessWe recommend that you call your insurance provider to gain a better understanding of the coverage provided. If your insurance provider asks for a CPT code for your procedure, use the following:
- Gastric bypass CPT code = 43644
- Gastric sleeve CPT code = 43775
During this phone call with your insurance company, they can also provide you with steps you will need to take to obtain weight-loss surgical coverage.
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Question: What are some bariatric surgery risks?
Answer:The list of side effects and complications below are inherent risks when undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure. The overall mortality risk for individuals undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure is less than 0.1%. Given this low rate, one must compare the risk of surgery with the risk of persistent obesity and the medical complications associated with this disease.MoreLess- Lung complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism
- Infections such as abscess, wound infection and urinary tract infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Intestinal complications such as bowel obstruction, leak and paralytic ileus
- Acid reflux
- Dumping syndrome
- Hernia
- Re-operation
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Chronic nutritional problems such as protein deficiency, vitamin deficiency and mineral deficiency
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Question: How long do bariatric procedures take?
Answer:The bariatric surgery process and average procedure time vary on multiple factors, like the type of surgery. For example, a gastric bypass procedure usually takes about two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take an hour and a half. -
Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
Answer:Weight-loss surgery can be incredibly life-changing, and post-bariatric surgery results are wonderful for many people. Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (one and a half years), and most of the weight comes off in the first year. About 75% of people can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
Due to this rapid weight loss during the first 18 months after surgery, it is recommended that patients avoid pregnancy. -
Question: How much excess skin will I have after surgery?
Answer:It varies, but most patients who experience substantial weight loss will have some extra skin. Exercising to tone muscles will help to some degree. Removal of the extra skin is usually considered cosmetic, and coverage depends on your insurance policy. -
Question: I am insured by UnitedHealthcare®. Can I continue to use AdventHealth services?
Answer:AdventHealth has terminated its contract with UnitedHealthcare®, which means you will no longer be covered in-network at AdventHealth hospitals, physician practices or other outpatient services beginning January 1, 2023. -
Question: Will you offer a Florida VPK Program?
Answer:Yes, we will offer Florida VPK programs.