1) How do I know if weight loss surgery will be successful for me?

Only you can decide if surgery is right for you. Surgery is only a tool in your weight loss journey. Strict adherence to dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes are essential to long-term success. You will only succeed with your weight loss surgery if you make a life-long commitment to these changes. However, if you are motivated to make these changes, surgery can have a great impact on your life and will likely improve the quality and the longevity of your life.

2) How effective is weight loss surgery?

The amount of weight you will lose after surgery depends on several factors:

1. Your overall health
2. Age
3. Weight prior to surgery
4. Adherence to dietary guidelines
5. Motivation
6. Ability to exercise

Clinical studies show that after surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so for approximately 18 to 24 months. Initially, gastric bypass surgery patients may lose weight at a faster rate than those who have undergone adjustable gastric banding surgery. However, over time, weight loss will be similar for both surgical procedures.

3) If I suffer from depression or other mental health problems, does that mean I am a poor candidate for weight loss surgery?

Not necessarily. Untreated mental health problems will impair your ability to take care of yourself and follow post-surgical guidelines. However, as long as you are properly treated, emotional problems do not necessarily interfere with success. You should maintain your medications as recommended by your physician and seek additional treatment as needed. We require a psychological condition to be controlled for at least six months prior to surgery.

4) How long will it be until I can have surgery?

Preparation for surgery will depend on many factors, including your health history, motivation and health care coverage. Please review the “Patient Flow Worksheet” included with the paperwork you received at the Introduction to Weight Loss Surgery Class for detailed steps for this process.

5) Will my health insurance pay for surgery?

Some insurance companies do have exclusions in their policies for weight loss surgery. An exclusion means the company will not pay for the surgery, even if it is proven medically necessary. However, there are some insurance companies that will pay for some portion of the surgery. We will help you determine what your benefits will cover. In order to prove that surgery is medically necessary, we will put together a packet of information to submit to your insurance company. We may need to include several types of information:

1. Medical history and physical exam
2. Diet history
3. Chart notes from your physicians
4. Nutrition consultation
5. Psychological evaluation
6. Blood work