Frequently Asked Questions
With any medical procedure, it is to be expected that questions and concerns may arise about what to expect before, during and after surgery. At Western Bariatric Institute, we believe in putting our patients minds at ease by answering as many questions as needed. We assure you that there will be plenty of time to ask questions if you decide that weight loss surgery is right for you, but in the meantime, we have compiled a few of the most commonly asked questions that we believe you may find helpful.
Q: Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
A:You can get pregnant after weight loss surgery and in fact many women who had trouble getting pregnant prior to surgery will find it much easier after they lose weight. Pregnancy is not advised during the period of rapid weight loss following surgery and therefore you will need to have a VERY reliable form of birth control in place. After you are finished losing the majority of your excess body weight (one to two years post-op), you can work with your surgeon and your obstetrician to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Back to Top
Q: What about loose skin after weight loss surgery…will I need plastic surgery?
A: The amount of loose skin a patient will experience after rapid weight loss is dependent upon several factors: genetics, age, sun exposure, history of smoking, size and shape of you body, and length of time at your starting weight before surgery. Many patients find that after surgery, they feel so good that they do not care about a little loose skin. About one third of our patients will want to be referred to a plastic surgeon for a consult to remove some of their loose skin. This procedure is rarely covered by insurance so be prepared to cover it as an out of pocket expense. If you are interested in pursuing plastic surgery, our staff would be happy to refer you to one of the many skilled plastic surgeons in our area.
Back to Top
Q: Will I lose my hair after surgery?
A: Some gastric bypass patients will experience hair loss after surgery. For this reason, it is very important to make sure you are getting the recommended amount of daily protein in your diet. You will need to work very closely with Western Bariatric and attend all of your regularly scheduled follow up appointments and complete all required lab work in a timely manner.
Back to Top
Q: If I’ve had prior stomach surgery, will I be able to have gastric bypass?
A: Prior stomach surgery will not necessarily eliminate you from candidacy for weight loss surgery and for most patients is not a problem. It is rare that patients would have to be converted to an open procedure because of complications from prior stomach surgery, but this is something that you will discuss one on one with your surgeon during your consultation and pre-operative process.
Back to Top
Q: How is the Lap-Band® or Realize® band adjusted?
A: The band is adjusted in a very simple and quick procedure right here in our office during a regularly scheduled follow up appointment. A special needle is used to access a port that is sutured into the inner abdominal wall and connected to your band by some thin tubing. The practitioner will access your port with the special needle and inject saline fluid to fill your band.
Back to Top
Q: How long will it take me to go through the pre-operative process and get a surgery date?
A: Most patients find that they will be able to complete the pre-operative process quickly and that the time from seminar to a surgery date is about 2 to 3 months. This time frame depends heavily on the patient’s motivation and schedule to get the checklist items completed and the requirements of their specific insurance company. Some insurance companies may add 6 to 9 additional months to this time frame based upon their pre-authorization requirements.
Back to Top
A: Yes, our surgeons require that you lose 10% of your excess body weight prior to surgery and we will assist you in this effort by putting you on a specific pre-operative diet. It is called the Step-by-Step Pre-Operative diet and may range from 4-8 weeks or longer for some patients. This diet will be discussed in detail at you Steps to Success
Class.
Back to Top
Q: How often do I come in for appointments after surgery?
A: Western Bariatric wants to partner with you for the rest of your life on your weight loss goals. For our bypass patients, you will need to be seen in our office one week following surgery, at one month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, one year, and then once per year forever! If you decide to have gastric banding surgery, then you will need to be seen at one week following surgery, 6 weeks, and then every 6-8 weeks as needed for a band adjustment. After you are adjusted to the perfect spot, you will follow up with us every six months or so.
Back to Top
Q: How long will I be out of work after surgery?
A: Most patients will only need to take 1-2 weeks off of work after surgery. Many of our patients even return to work in a few days. You will work closely with your surgeon to discuss you particular needs.
Back to Top
Q: How soon after surgery can I exercise?
A: Your surgeon will want to get you up and walking the very day of surgery. He will also want you to walk as much as possible and each day increase your walking time little by little. Most patients can resume a normal work out routine within 1-2 weeks following surgery.
Back to Top
Q: How much does surgery cost?
A: Your surgery cost will depend on how your insurance is contracted with WBI and with your preferred facility. But on average nation wide – gastric bypass surgery costs between $23,000 and $30,000 and gastric banding surgery ranges from $17,000 to $20,000. These costs include the ESTIMATED surgical fees, program fees, facility and anesthesia fees. Please understand that these fees can change at any time and that they do not include additional costs such as bariatric meal replacements, food, medications, and additional diagnostic tests or labs as necessary.
Back to Top
Q: What if I’m just under the criteria for the BMI and medical necessity?
A: Most insurance plans are VERY strict on the requirements that need to be met in order to be approved for weight loss surgery. They will require you to at least have a BMI of 35 or higher with 1-2 co-morbid conditions that you can document or a BMI of 40 of higher. Unfortunately, they do not make exceptions for patients that are being treated for co-morbid conditions but do not meet the 35 BMI requirement. If your BMI is below 35, weight loss surgery may still be an option for you as a self-pay patient. For more information, please attend one of our free informational seminars.
Back to Top
Q: What about medication? Can I still take pills or do they have to be liquid/chewable?
A: Most of your medication following surgery will need to either be chewable, crushable, or in liquid form. You will need to work closely with your primary care phycian and your pharmacist to find forms that work for you. The good news is that most patients find that they take much less medication after surgery once they start losing weight.
Back to Top
Q: Can I have carbonated drinks again? Can I drink alcohol?
A: We strongly advise patients not to have carbonated beverages after surgery. Alcohol is also something that not only can lessen your success towards meeting your weight loss goals because of it high caloric makeup, but is also not advised.
Back to Top