Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?
In order to qualify for surgery you have to have a BMI of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight) OR a BMI between 35 and 40 WITH an obesity related health problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.

 

2. Will my insurance pay for this surgery?
Many insurance plans will cover surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Each policy is different so our insurance team will call your individual policy to check for the benefit.

 

3. My insurance won't cover this procedure, what do I do?
There are options. Consider changing plans during open enrollment, seek out a different insurance policy with bariatric coverage, or consider financing the procedure. The cost, without complications, is $25,000 for the Gastric Bypass, $14,500.00 for the sleeve gastrectomy, and $12,500 for the Lap-Band®.

 

4. Is the surgery risky?
Every surgery has some degree of risk. Your doctor will do testing before you have surgery to ensure the lowest risk possible. There are complications than can occur. The doctor will go over all of the risks and benefits with you during your appointment. He will also talk to you about steps you can take before surgery to minimize your risk, such as losing a little weight and going on liquid protein diets to improve your liver health.

 

5. How long will the surgery take?
Lap-Band® surgery usually takes less than 1 hour while sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass usually take about 2 hours. All surgery times can vary from client to client, and if there are any other procedures being performed at the same time the surgery time will be longer.

 

6. How long is the recovery?
With Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, most people have a 2 to 3 night hospital stay and can usually return to work in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your job duties. If you are in a job with heavy lifting, it may require more time off work or returning to work with some restrictions. Lap-Band® has a shorter hospital stay, is considered outpatient with a day stay or possible overnight.  Most people go back to work  1 to 2 weeks later. Everyone’s recovery is a little different depending on the individual.

 

7. How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss results vary from patient to patient, and the amount of weight you lose depends on your commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits. With Lap-Band® surgery, an average patient loses about 50% of excess body weight over a two to three year period. Sleeve gastrectomy patients typically lose about 65-70% of their excess weight in the first year, and gastric bypass surgery patients usually lose about 80% of their excess weight over a two-year period, with ½ to ¾ of that weight lost in the first 6 months.

 

8. Can Bariatric surgery be reversed?
Gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, usually laparoscopically.  Lap-Band® surgery is easily reversible by removing the band.  Sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible.

 

9. Can I gain the weight back?
70 to 80% of patients achieve long-term success. If you do not follow the guidelines, you could possibly regain some if not all of your weight back.  However, the Gastric Bypass offers the best chance not to. With the Lap-Band®, you can still take in a lot of calories while eating less food (milkshakes for instance), so you have to be a little more disciplined on your caloric intake.

 

10. Are there specific foods that have to be avoided after surgery?
Yes, you will have to avoid high fat and high sugar foods and foods that have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value (biscuits, jams, honey, chips, pastries). Other foods that may cause problems are dry meats, bread, rice, pasta, popcorn, fibrous fruits and vegetables, and greasy or fried foods. Alcohol has a high number of calories and also breaks down vitamins. It is suggested that you completely refrain from drinking alcohol for the first year after surgery and only consume it in extreme moderation thereafter.

 

11. Are there specific foods that I need to eat after surgery?
Yes. A protein supplement will be required to maintain your body’s daily protein requirement in order to avoid muscle loss.  Vitamin supplements will also be needed.  Otherwise, a good balanced diet with healthy choices is what is recommended long-term.

 

12. Can I gulp liquids when I am thirsty?
No. The pouch only holds a small amount. If you gulp liquids it may cause pain or discomfort, or even vomiting. It is best to keep your hydration level up by drinking water throughout the day. Do not drink thirty minutes before your meals, during your meals, or for thirty minutes after a meal.

 

13. Can I have a baby after this surgery?
Yes, however it is recommended to wait approximately one to two years, especially with the Gastric Bypass. With the Lap-Band® if an unexpected pregnancy should occur, the saline could be removed to allow for more caloric intake. For many people fertility increases after weight loss so it becomes easier to get pregnant.

 

14. Where do you perform the surgery?
We are part of Vista Hospital in Dallas. Our facility specializes in bariatric surgery and has done hundreds of weight loss surgeries. The staff is extremely knowledgeable in the special needs of a bariatric patient. Our surgeons work at a number of other area hospitals, such as Medical City, Presbyterian Hospital, Baylor All-Saints, and Doctor’s Hospital.

 

15. How quickly can I have the surgery?
It depends on your method of payment. Some insurances require extensive paperwork be submitted. With commercial insurance, it can take two weeks to twelve months to get approval. It depends on their specific requirements. We will work hard for you and with you to get insurance approval. If you are independently paying for surgery, it is possible to have surgery in as little as 3 weeks.

 

16. What if I already had weight loss surgery in the past?
Our doctors will consider revisions on an individual basis. They will need to see you for a one on one consult before making their decision.

 

17. What is dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome can be one of the effects of gastric bypass surgery, and it is unique to that procedure.  Sleeve gastrectomy and Lap-Band® patients do not experience this effect.  Because the food you eat goes directly from your new stomach pouch into the intestines without being broken down into smaller molecules, foods that are high in sugar or fat pull water from the lining of your intestines resulting in various symptoms. These symptoms may be any of the following or any combination of the following: stomach cramping, light-headedness, cold sweats, weakness, racing pulse, extreme fatigue, or diarrhea.

 

18. What happens to my old stomach after gastric bypass surgery?
The old stomach remains in the same position as before surgery. The stomach is still connected to other organs in the abdomen and still produces stomach acids after surgery. However, the stomach acids do not meet the food until farther down the intestinal tract after surgery.

 

19. When can I resume normal activities such as exercise, heavy lifting or intercourse?
Most people can resume normal activities 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, the more strenuous the activity, the longer it may take before you feel up to participating. Every individual is different and it may be a little longer for some.

 

20. Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery?
Exercise burns calories and helps to build and preserve muscle mass and strength. Walking will begin immediately after surgery and exercise regimes can start 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

 

21. Do you have to have surgery to remove extra skin once you have lost all your weight?
It varies from person to person. The amount of excess skin will depend on skin elasticity, amount of weight lost, hydration, exercise, and age. Personal tolerance is also a key factor; how much loose skin each person is willing to live with varies. You should wait until a few months after your weight has stabilized before considering skin removal.

 

22.  Will insurance cover skin removal?
Some insurance plans will cover the removal of excess skin, but only if it is determined to be medically necessary. You will have to show medical documentation if you want to try and have the surgery covered through your insurance.

 

23. Will I have to take vitamins?
If you have gastric bypass surgery, you will need to take a specific vitamin regimen daily.  Sleeve gastrectomy and Lap-Band® clients would benefit from a good multivitamin to offset any potential effects of a limited calorie diet.

 

24. What about hair loss?
Hair loss can occur in some patients, but it usually only last 2 to 6 months and then hair growth returns to normal. Hair loss is usually due to rapid weight loss and the reduced intake of protein and the mineral zinc. We try to prevent hair loss by having you consume 60 to 80 grams of protein per day and by taking multivitamins.

 

25. Does Medicare cover the surgery?
Yes, Medicare will pay for the surgery and there is no preauthorization required.  You must have surgery at a recognized Center of Excellence.

 

26. Does Medicaid cover the surgery?
Medicaid will cover bariatric surgery at a recognized Center of Excellence as well, but very few bariatric surgeons are providers for Medicaid.