Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
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Will insurance cover the cost of my lap band, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery?
We will work with you to obtain coverage for this procedure from your insurance company should they be reluctant. We have experts on staff to help you file the correct paperwork for you specific medical condition. Some insurance companies specifically exclude coverage for any aspect of weight loss surgery in their policies. Some patients change insurance companies in order to gain coverage. It is advisable to confirm your insurance coverage before contemplating weight reduction surgery. If you contact our office we will be happy to assist you with your options at no cost.
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Will I be able to have children after lap band or other weight loss surgery?
Many women have had successful pregnancies after lap band or other weight loss surgery. There is nothing about this procedure that would prevent pregnancy. We recommend, however, that you wait until your weight loss is complete before becoming pregnant. This may take a year or more. The effect of rapid and prolonged weight loss on the developing fetus is unknown but it could have dire consequences, and pregnancy is not recommended until a stable weight has been attained.
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How long will it be before I can get back to work?
Every individual is different. Patients commonly take four weeks off from work, but some patients can go back sooner, especially if they are self-employed, or work at home. Patients who have physically demanding jobs may take longer to resume work.
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How much weight should I be able to lose with weight loss surgery and keep off long-term?
If you are like most people, you should be able to lose between 50 and 80% of your excess weight after the laparoscopic banding is complete. Excess weight is your present weight minus your ideal body weight. Long-term, patients tend to gain back some of their earlier losses if they are not exercising regularly and not follow our nutritional recommendations.
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What is the difference in recovery time between lap band vs. gastric bypass?
With no complications, lap band patients go home the 2nd or 3rd post-op day. Gastric bypass patients stay a day or two longer. Normal activities are usually resumed after 21 days with Lap-Band; a week or two longer for open gastric bypass patients.
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Are sugarless beverages, foods, etc. okay after weight loss surgery?
After gastric bypass surgery, patients will substitute sugary drinks with those sweetened with artificial sweeteners due to the propensity for simple sugars to trigger dumping syndrome. All of the artificial sweeteners are okay to use. Most dietitians recommend Splenda or Stevia.
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Do you know if insurance requires a psychiatric evaluation before approving the surgery?
The need for a psychological evaluation will be determined by both your insurance carrier and the bariatric team at the Banner program you choose. Most surgeons require a psychological screening before surgery.
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What is a medically supervised diet?
A medically supervised diet includes management of weight loss attempts by a physician directed diet and exercise program, participation in a dietitian supervised group or individual program or treatment with medication prescribed by a physician in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.
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How long does the surgery take?
Both the laparoscopic band, gastric sleeve and various bariatric surgery methods take from 45 minutes to four hours, though it may vary case by case. If you have had previous abdominal surgery or if your anatomy makes the surgery difficult.
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Who is eligible for weight-loss surgery?
A person may be a candidate for lap band or bariatric surgery if he or she is at least 100 pounds overweight and traditional weight-loss methods have failed. -
Do insurance companies cover bariatric surgery procedures?
Many insurance companies now recognize obesity as a substantial health risk and are paying for bariatric surgery. This include the lap band, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Please consult our office to find out your best options. -
What about exercise after surgery?
Light exercise, such as walking, should begin immediately after surgery. Vigorous exercise will be gradually introduced in six to eight weeks. Exercise will not only keep you feeling well and energized, but it also helps burn fat and calories. For many people, returning to physical exercise is an important step toward feeling better. -
How long will it take to lose excess weight after weight-loss surgery?
Excess weight loss begins right after surgery and continues for 18-24 months after surgery. -
Is it possible to gain the weight back after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery has an excellent long-term track record for helping morbidly obese individuals maintain weight loss. If you are committed to making permanent dietary and lifestyle changes, your chance of weight re-gain is minimized. -
Can Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery be reversed?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is considered a permanent weight-loss measure. However, it is potentially reversible. Reversal requires another operation of the same, or greater, magnitude with the same, or greater, risks. Reversal of this operation is very uncommon and rarely occurs beyond six weeks from the time of surgery.
