Search Questions & Answers
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Question: How do I get started, and what are the next steps?
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 ReadingCollapse AnswerDuring 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 6 weeks and 6 months following your initial consultation depending on your insurance requirements and individual needs.
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Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
Answer:Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- 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: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consultation appointment when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
- Any previous attempts at weight loss
- Your BMI
- Your health history overall
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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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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