How do I know if I need weight loss surgery?
Based on the recommendations from the National Institute of Health Consensus panel, bariatric surgery candidates must be morbidly obese, which usually means 100 pounds overweight for men or 80 pounds overweight for women, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Alternatively, the procedure may be appropriate if a patient is 80 pounds overweight with a BMI greater than 35 and a serious obesity-related condition. Before becoming eligible for surgery, patients meet with the team for a full evaluation. Your insurance company may also have additional criteria that you may have to fulfill.
What can I expect from my weight loss journey with the Live By Losing team?
The Live By Losing team treats each and every patient like family, with respect, dignity and great insight into the daily difficulties they encounter. We are proud to offer a state-of-the-art highly successful multi-disciplinary surgical weight management program. Not only do we utilize the most up-to-date surgical technology, but we also have expert providers that approach patient care compassionately, and truly understand weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, but a lifelong journey. Our strong nutrition program and caring nursing staff work closely together with our surgical team to offer life long close follow-up care to our patients.
What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
All major surgery comes with risks, which differ for each patient and from one type of procedure to another. Opting to have bariatric surgery is a very personal decision, and only a discussion with a physician can clarify the individual risks and benefits each patient can expect.
How much weight will I lose?
The average patient loses between 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight. This occurs over 18 to 36 months, depending on the type of procedure and individual commitment.
Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Most insurance companies cover weight loss surgery procedures if you meet medical necessity criteria. Coverage varies depending on your policy, therefore we ask that you call our office and allow our insurance experts to assist you. You can also reach us by filling out the “contact us” form located on our website. We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Are there any financing options available?
Financing options are available through third party lending sources. Please contact our office for information.
What is my first step?
Contacting us for find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Please call us by phone or email, and we will be happy to answer any and questions you have about bariatric surgery.
How long will I be hospitalized?
Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients usually stay in the hospital for one night overnight; the adjustable gastric lap band patients usually go home the same day of surgery.
How soon will I be able to return to work after surgery?
It varies depending on the surgery and the type of work you do. On average, most patients return to work within two weeks after surgery.
How often will I need to exercise after bariatric surgery?
Exercise is vital to your short- and long-term success. With Live By Losing, patients are able to walk approximately two hours after completion of the surgery; walking one to two blocks within a week is generally encouraged. You should seriously consider joining a gym or physical therapy program (if you have physical limitations) after surgery when your surgeon gives you approval to do so. An exercise program is crucial for optimal weight loss and maintenance of weight loss. We often enroll some of our patients in our cardiac rehabilitation program, which can make their transition to an exercise program safer.
What types of bariatric surgeries are performed by the Live By Losing surgeons?
There are many terminologies that are being used to describe bariatric procedures. Almost all of our weight loss procedures are done laparoscopically unless there is potential to cause harm to the patient by doing so. The following four procedures are currently performed:
gastric bypass
adjustable gastric band
vertical sleeve gastrectomy
biliopancreatic diversion