FAQ

Surgical Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance pay for surgery?

Most insurance companies cover gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. It depends on your employer and if they choose to include coverage on your particular plan. We will call and verify your insurance coverage after we receive your information at the information session.

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What is included in the program fee?

The one time program fee includes your initial evaluation with the fitness trainer, a set of exercise bands, a protein supplement shaker, a center tote bag, an educational binder and other educational materials. The program fee is paid once at the initial visit. If you are a patient of the medical and surgical programs, you only pay the program fee once. The cost of meeting with a fitness trainer and the fitness evaluation could easily cost the same or more than the program fee if you pursued those services on your own.

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Which procedure should I have?

Most patients choose the procedure that they prefer. Some individuals are not comfortable with the idea of a foreign body being placed, so they prefer not to have a band. Some individuals are not comfortable with having a portion of their intestine bypassed, so they choose to have a band. Your physician will discuss options with you to aid in your decision.

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Will I have a drain after my gastric bypass?

The decision to place a drain during surgery is made by your surgeon. If you do have a drain placed at the time of surgery, it may be removed either prior to discharge from the hospital or at your first follow up appointment. If needed, the nurses will show you how to empty the drain and change the dressing prior to going home.

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What is “dumping syndrome?”

Eating simple sugars (such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup) or high-fat foods in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery can cause symptoms that can include diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hot flashes or sweating and clammy skin, and dizziness. This occurs when these products, which have small particle size, are “dumped” from the stomach into the intestine at a rapid rate. Water is pulled into the intestine from the bloodstream to dilute the sugar load and this is what causes the symptoms.

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How long before I can return to work?

If you have a relatively sedentary job and do not do a lot of heavy lifting (greater than ten pounds), you are usually able to return to work within a couple of weeks of surgery. If you have a more physical job, then you may need to be off as long as 4-6 weeks.

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How long will I be in the hospital?

Discharge from the hospital is individualized to how you are recovering. In general, our gastric band patients go home either the day of surgery or the next morning and all other patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.

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When can I take a tub bath or get in the pool?

You may shower within a couple of days of surgery; however, we prefer you do not take a bath or get in the pool until your incisions have healed and any drain sites have closed.

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When can I drive?

You may resume driving once you have been off all narcotic pain medication for 24 hours. Keep in mind that for the first week or so after surgery, you may still feel some abdominal discomfort that may impede your ability to brake quickly.

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What will my lifting limitations be after surgery?

After laparoscopic surgery, you are typically able to return to your normal activities within two weeks. We recommend you do not lift more than ten pounds for 6 weeks.

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When can I exercise?

You are typically cleared to resume work outs without limitations 6 weeks after your surgery. Walking after surgery is appropriate and encouraged.

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Medical Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance pay for visits on the medical side of the program?

Typically yes. Normally, we ask that you pay your non-specialty co-pay just as if you were seeing your primary doctor. We submit the visit charges and codes to your insurance company for payment.

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What is included in the program fee?

The one time program fee includes your initial evaluation with the fitness trainer, a set of exercise bands, a protein supplement shaker, a center tote bag, an educational binder and other educational materials. The program fee is paid once at the initial visit. If you are a patient of the medical and surgical programs, you only pay the program fee once. The cost of meeting with a fitness trainer and the fitness evaluation could easily cost the same or more than the program fee if you pursued those services on your own.

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What does the medical program include?

The medical program includes visits with a board certified bariatrician physician as well as visits with a medical dietitian and the center fitness trainer. You will receive educational materials and an individualized plan created for you by the health care team. The center has other services that may be utilized as needed, such as individual and/or group therapy, support groups, DEXA body composition analysis, Resting Metabolic Rate testing (RMR), etc.

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What happens when I come for the first time?

The first visit is very comprehensive and will be performed by the physician. Please plan on being at the center for at least an hour. A complete history and physical will be performed. Your entire packet of information and past medical history will be reviewed by the physician. An individualized plan will be developed just for you. You can also expect to have fasting lab work performed on your first visit.

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How often will I need to come?

Most patients follow up with a member of the health care team every 3-4 weeks.

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