Bariatric Surgery Education

Patient education is one of the missions of the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. We want you to make the best weight loss decisions for your health! Part of how we can accomplish this is through a comprehensive consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons. Another way to push bariatric surgery education is through information published on this website. Check out these helpful webpages:

• Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?
• Body-mass index (BMI) calculator
• Seeking help for obesity
• Eating habits after bariatric surgery
• Postoperative bariatric follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions

This Q & A is designed to give you answers to common questions people have about bariatric surgery. If you do not find answers to your bariatric surgery questions, please call The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at (888) 391-0182.

Q. How do I know if I am eligible for bariatric surgery?

A. The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at La Peer Health Systems follows guidelines supported by the National Institutes of Health in order to determine a patient’s eligibility for bariatric surgery. Rather than using a weight, we use body mass index (BMI) as a criteria. We evaluate excess fat in relation to height. Individuals are candidates for bariatric surgery if:

• They have previously failed at attempts to lose weight in a medically supervised program
• Their BMI is greater than 40 or between 30 and 40 with major obesity-related medical conditions

During the initial consultation, you will meet with our fully trained and talented surgeons for a full evaluation. They will discuss your eligibility at that time.

Q. Is bariatric surgery right for everyone?

A. No, bariatric surgery is not a solution for everyone. We will determine whether a patient is a candidate for bariatric surgery after a complete evaluation and discussion with the patient. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure. We want to make sure our patients are committed to making the permanent lifestyle changes necessary for successful results.

Q. What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

A. Any surgery comes with risks, and the risks can vary with each patient. At La Peer, our highly respected surgeons are experts in their field. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain your individual risk level.

Q. How much weight will I lose? Will the weight loss be immediate?

A. The amount of weight you lose and how quickly you lose it all depends on the type of weight loss procedure you have and your level of commitment to maintaining healthy lifestyle choices after surgery. Patients who have adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band®) procedures typically lose weight more gradually in the first year than those who have gastric bypass (RYGB) or duodenal switch procedures (DS). However, the total weight loss is equivalent with each procedure.

Q. Can I become pregnant after bariatric surgery?

A. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for at least 18 months after surgery. Please discuss pregnancy plans with your surgeon during your consultation.

Q. Will my insurance cover the weight loss procedure?

A. Insurance coverage depends on the type and plan of the insurance you have. Please contact your insurance company to find out if bariatric surgery is covered under your plan.

Q. If I am interested in weight loss surgery, what is my first step?

A. If you are interested in bariatric surgery options, please call us at (888) 391-0182. We will help you make an initial consultation appointment. During the consultation, you will learn more about our program and our weight loss surgery options.

Q. What should I bring to my first appointment?

A. Please bring the following to your first appointment:

• Insurance card
• Any paperwork needed by your insurance carrier (managed care referral authorization, for example)
• Past medical records
• A list of your current medications
• Current food diary

Q. How long will I have to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

A. All of the procedures performed at La Peer Health Systems are outpatient, which means that all patients can go home within 24 hours of their surgery.

Q. Will I continue seeing my primary care physician after surgery?

A. Yes, your medical condition will change following bariatric surgery. It’s vital that your primary care doctor monitors you closely.

Q. What if I have excess skin?

A. As you begin losing weight, excess skin may be apparent. The amount of excess skin you experience depends on how much weight you lose, your age, and your lifestyle habits. At times, patients choose plastic surgery procedures to have excess skin removed.

Q. Will I have to take vitamins after surgery?

A. Yes, however the type and amount will depend on the weight loss procedure you have. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance about nutritional and dietary recommendations.

Q. Can I exercise after bariatric surgery?

A. Regular exercise is essential to maintaining your weight loss after your procedure. Your bariatric surgeon will discuss how soon after surgery you should start exercising.

Bariatric Surgery Education

If you would like to really get educated on bariatric surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our weight loss specialists! Feel free to contact the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence at (888) 391-0182. We look forward to talking and working towards a suitable and optimally beneficial course of treatment for you.

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