Feel Empowered to Transform Your Life
Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective weight-loss solution that can benefit your whole-person health, too. At AdventHealth Redmond, our compassionate bariatric team has delivered personalized care to Rome and the surrounding communities for decades. We partner with the experienced team at the Harbin Clinic Bariatric Center, and together, we’ll help you transform your life.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
A healthier weight-loss journey starts here. Feel empowered with helpful classes and good reads that answer your questions and guide your path forward.
See Jay’s Amazing Transformation After Bariatric Surgery
In less than a year, Jay Martin’s life changed. He went from 305 to 180 pounds and no longer needs medication to manage Type 2 diabetes or his blood pressure. After bariatric surgery at AdventHealth Redmond, he says he feels more alive for his wife and son. For the first time in his life, Jay feels whole. Hear his story and see his incredible transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery
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Q:Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
A:Answer:Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:Continue Reading- 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
- Extended life expectancy
Studies have shown that many bariatric surgery patients experience remission of obesity-related diseases like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes and metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Joint disease
- Back pain
- Fatty liver disease
- Asthma and lung disease
- Depression and anxiety
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Kidney disease
- Risk for numerous cancers
- Risk of strokes
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Q:Question: Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
A:Answer:There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:Continue Reading- Are over the age of 18
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater, regardless of the presence, absence or severity of comorbidities
- Have a metabolic disease, such as diabetes, with a BMI of 30 to 34.9
Guidelines also recommend adjusting the BMI threshold in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥ 25 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with a BMI ≥ 27.5 should be offered metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Although the guidelines for surgery listed above are supported by medical research and population studies, most insurance companies will not consider coverage for metabolic surgery unless your BMI is greater than 35.
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Q:Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
A:Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consultation appointment when you talk with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:Continue Reading- Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
- Any previous attempts at weight loss
- Your body mass index (BMI)
- Your health history overall
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Q:Question: What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
A:Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. It’s unlikely that your insurance provider will pay 100% of the surgical costs. We recommend that you call them to gain a better understanding of the coverage approved. If they ask for the CPT code for your procedure, use the following:Continue Reading- 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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Q:Question: What are some bariatric surgery risks?
A:Answer:The side effects and complications listed 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, it’s important to compare the risk of surgery with the risk of persistent obesity and the medical complications associated with this disease.
Some bariatric surgery side effects and complications can include:
Continue Reading- Lung complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism
- Infections such as abscesses, wound infections and urinary tract infections
- 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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Q:Question: How long do bariatric procedures take?
A: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 one to two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take 45 minutes to an hour and a half.Continue ReadingBefore your surgery, your care team will be sure to go over all the details of your procedure, including how long you’ll be in the operating room, so all your specific questions are answered.
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Q:Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
A:Answer:Bariatric surgery is 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.Continue ReadingDue to this rapid weight loss during the first 18 months after surgery, it is recommended that patients avoid pregnancy until after 18 months.
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Q:Question: How much excess skin will I have after surgery?
A:Answer:It varies, but most patients who experience substantial weight loss will have some extra skin. Exercising to tone muscles will help. Removal of the extra skin is usually considered cosmetic, and coverage depends on your insurance policy. Rarely do weight-loss surgery patients ever proceed with surgery to remove skin.Continue ReadingWe recommend you first reach your weight-loss goal and then undergo surgery to remove your excess skin, if desired.
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Q:Question: How do I get started, and what are the next steps?
A:Answer:Simply click the “Get Started Now” button to complete a short intake form and watch our online information session. Upon completion, you will then be asked to complete a short quiz and medical intake form. After completing all the necessary steps, a member of our team will contact you regarding the next steps to scheduling a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons.
Continue ReadingDuring this consultation, the surgeon will complete a pre-operative evaluation. Additional pre-operative consultations may be needed based on your individual needs. After completing all the required steps, surgery will be scheduled between six weeks and six months following your initial consultation, depending on your insurance requirements and individual needs.
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Q:Question: Will my hunger go away after surgery?
A:Answer:No operation eliminates hunger completely; it is a survival instinct and a necessary bodily function. Weight-loss surgery will reduce your hunger, especially in the first few months after the operation. -
Q:Question: What percentage of people can lose weight after surgery and keep it off long-term?
A:Answer:About 75% of those who undergo bariatric surgery can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term. -
Q:Question: Is long-term follow-up required?
A:Answer:Yes. Long-term follow-up is required for life following bariatric surgery. We have found that long-term follow-up is key to lasting success. -
Q:Question: What is dumping syndrome?
A:Answer:Dumping syndrome is actually an adrenaline rush caused by too many carbohydrates entering the intestine too quickly.Continue ReadingSymptoms are palpitations, sweating and a weak-in-the-knees feeling. One-quarter of patients who receive a gastric bypass will experience this. This condition is unusual with the gastric sleeve but can occur specifically if a patient drinks fluid while eating.Collapse Answer -
Q:Question: Do I have to take vitamins and minerals for life?
A:Answer:After your surgery, you will be advised to take multivitamins and other supplements for the rest of your life. You will receive a handout with these requirements in your nutrition class. These requirements will also be reviewed with you during that class. -
Q:Question: Can I continue to exercise following weight-loss surgery?
A:Answer:Absolutely! You can begin low-impact, non-strenuous exercise immediately following surgery. After recovering for about four weeks, you will be encouraged to incorporate unrestricted exercise into your routine. -
Q:Question: If I’m considering bariatric surgery, how do I get started?
A:Answer:The first step is to click “Get Started Now” on this page to complete a short intake form and watch our online information session. Upon completion, you will then be asked to complete a short quiz. After completing all the necessary steps, a member of our team will contact you regarding the next steps to scheduling a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons.Continue ReadingDuring this consultation, the surgeon will complete a pre-operative evaluation. Additional pre-operative consultations may be needed based on your individual needs. After completing all the required steps, surgery will be scheduled between six weeks and six months after your initial consultation, depending on your insurance requirements and individual needs.