Frequently Asked Questions
Why consider weight loss surgery?
Obesity increases your risk of potentially life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases make normal daily activities difficult, are expensive to treat and significantly decrease life expectancy.
Weight loss surgery is the most effective method for helping people who have been unsuccessful at losing weight using diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery enables patients to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss over the long term.
If you are 50 to 100 percent over your ideal body weight, diet and exercise have only a five percent success rate for long term weight loss. Our program is a proven way to not just help you succeed at weight loss, but live a healthier more active life.
Is bariatric surgery the right choice for you?
Undergoing weight loss surgery is a major decision that will permanently alter your life. To be successful, you must be prepared to make permanent changes to many of your present behaviors. People who make these lifestyle changes achieve significant weight loss and experience better health, greater mobility and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
Find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
How much weight can you expect to lose?
Your final weight loss depends on multiple factors including your starting weight, the current state of your health and your ability to adhere to lifestyle changes. The more effort you put in, the more successful you will be at achieving and maintaining optimal weight loss.
What if surgery doesn't work?
If you are committed to making it work, our dedicated bariatric program is proven to work. We help you physically and emotionally prepare for the changes before and after surgery. We don’t just give you a new body; we give you the tools to make your new body realistic, sustainable and enjoyable.
How long does the program last?
Technically, for one year after your surgery, you will have a number of follow-up appointments with your surgeon, nurse, dietitian and nutritionist. Plus, we offer individual and group support with others on the weight loss journey. And, even as years pass and you meet goals, we’ll still be here when you need us.
How long does surgery take? How long am I in the hospital?
Surgery takes about two hours for the average patient, but some procedures may take longer. For most people, the average hospital stay is one or two days.
Will I have a scar?
Most patients have minimally-invasive surgery, which can be performed through as few as one or several quarter-inch incisions on your abdomen. In some cases, patient-specific risks do require the use of standard open surgery.
How long will I be out of work?
While most patients go back to work within two weeks, the actual length of time will be determined by your surgeon. There are also some restrictions that apply.
Will I have to eat special food?
After your body has time to adjust to the surgical changes, you can look forward to eating normal healthy everyday foods again. The difference? You’ll approach food with the knowledge to make better choices about what and how much food you eat.
If my health insurance doesn't cover surgery, can I self-pay?
Yes. If you think the surgery could benefit your life but are concerned about affordability, we encourage you to explore your financial options before giving up. We partner with a program called MDSave, a third-party option for affordable financing.
For more information please contact us at (423) 380-6250.