F.A.Q.

The National Institutes of Health, one of the world’s foremost medical research centers, provides guidelines for determining a patient’s eligibility for weight loss surgery. Eligibility is based on the patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI), along with other factors. If you are considering bariatric surgery, schedule an appointment at Advanced Surgical Solutions, and you will be given a thorough exam to determine whether you are a good candidate. If it turn out that surgery is not the best option, we can recommend a diet and exercise program.

There are different types of weight loss surgery that carry different risk levels. Weight loss surgery is generally considered safe; however, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Complications are not common with the weight loss surgeries we perform, but it is still important for you to be aware of them.

Most patients are able to do light exercise after a week. However, the length of time before returning to work and engaging in more strenuous activity varies from patient to patient. Your physician will advise you about when you can exercise and do other activities.

We have seen patients become pregnant within 18 months of weight loss surgery; however, this depends on various factors that can be different for everyone. If your goal is to become pregnant after weight loss surgery, be sure to discuss this with your physician and surgeon before the surgery.

Insurance companies understand that being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of serious medical issues such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and heart disease. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, weight loss surgery can improve or resolve up to 30 obesity-related conditions. Many major insurance companies will cover weight loss surgery if the following requirements are met:

1. Proof that the surgery is medically necessary
2. Participation in a physician-supervised diet program
3. A psychological evaluation
4. A nutritional evaluation

Read your insurance policy carefully and contact your insurance carrier to find out if they cover weight loss surgery and what their requirements are.

To prevent vitamin or mineral deficiencies, most patients are put on a vitamin regimen after weight loss surgery. This will be discussed with you before surgery.

You should bring your medical records, insurance card, current food diary and a list of your current medications to the consultation.

Bariatric surgery is a tool to help you lose weight. It is not a magic instant fix. To help you reach your weight loss goals and avoid regaining the weight you lose, it is important for you to be monitored by your physician or primary healthcare provider after surgery, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

During your consultation, the physician will discuss with you the medications that you are currently taking, those that you should discontinue and maybe prescribe others to assist in the operation.

This is one of the things that will be discussed during your consultation. The doctor will talk to you about the medications you are currently taking. He will let you know if you should discontinue any of them or if he needs to prescribe additional medications for you.