|
 Frequently Asked Questions about Obesity Surgery
The decision to undergo weight-loss surgery is important and can be life-changing. It is not to be taken lightly. Pacific Cascade Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness team strives to give each individual the most comprehensive information about each surgery option so that an informed decision can be made. The choice to have weight-loss surgery is an exciting commitment by the individual towards a healthier lifestyle.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.
How do I qualify for surgery?
Weight-loss surgery can be considered for those individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater;
- Obese with a BMI of 35 - 39.9 with serious medical conditions (co-morbidities) such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, sever arthritis, high cholesteral and triglycerides; click here to see a BMI chart
- The individual is 100 pounds overweight;
- The individual has familed non-surgical attempts at weight-loss;
- The individual understands the risks and benefits of surgery;
- The individual is between the ages of 18 and 60;
- The individual is committed to a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise;
- Other specific criteria may apply based on individual evaluations and information.
For more information, call Pacific Cascade Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness, toll free
1-888-789-5483.
Back to top
How experienced are our surgeons?
Dr. Mirande is an experienced general surgeon who specializes in bariatric or weight-loss surgery. Dr. Mirande is board certified through the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Stalin is a general surgeon who completed a fellowship in bariatric surgery in 2009. He has performed numerous weight-loss surgeries. Dr. Stalin is board certified through the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Together, they have performed more than 900 weight-loss surgeries.
Back to top
What types of weight-loss surgeries do the surgeons perform and how do the surgeries help to reduce weight?
We are pleased to offer several laparoscopic surgical options for weight-loss.
Back to top
What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks and possible long-term complications. Potential risks of weight-loss surgery may include the following:
- anesthesia risks – pneumonia, irregular heart beat
- wound infection
- leaks at connections
- bowel obstruction
- obstruction of the stomach outlet
- urinary tract infection
- deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (clot to lung)
- hemorrhage requiring blood transfusions
- damage to surrounding organs
- nutritional deficiencies
- pain
Our surgeons will thoroughly discuss potential risks and complications based on the weight-loss surgery chosen. The benefits of weight-loss surgery generally outweigh the risks of surgery and remaining obese.
Call Pacific Cascade Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness, toll-free 1-888-789-5483, for more information regarding free informational seminars.
Back to top
How successful is weight-loss surgery?
In general, weight-loss surgery success is defined as achieving loss of 50% or more of excess body weight and maintaining the weight-loss for at least 5 years.
The amount of weight-loss will depend on the type of weight-loss surgery performed and the individual’s commitment to following prescribed lifestyle modifications.
Patients who undergo Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery may lose 60%-70% of their excess body weight. Those patients who undergo gastric banding may lose 50%-55% of their excess body weight.
With weight-loss comes the improvement or resolution of many weight related diseases, including diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol and other lipids. Weight-loss also reduces specific cancer risk.
Back to top
Which weight-loss surgery is right for me?
The decision to have weight-loss surgery is an important one. Discuss the options with your surgeon. Research the various different weight-loss surgeries and their risks. Ultimately, the type of weight-loss surgery you choose will depend on many factors. Dr. Mirande and Dr. Stalin can provide information and answer questions which will help you make an informed decision about your weight-loss surgery.
Back to top
How long is the hospital stay after weight-loss surgery?
Most patients who undergo laparoscopic gastric banding go home the evening of the surgery or the next day.
Those patients who have laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass will generally stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Patients who undergo an “open” weight-loss procedures can expect to be in the hospital for 3-5 days.
Generally, patients are discharged from the hospital when they are able to drink enough fluids, have no fever or complications, and have adequate pain control with oral medications.
Back to top
What is life like after surgery?
DIET
Regardless of the type of weight-loss surgery, all patients will be required to adhere to strict dietary guidelines.
Patients undergo nutritional counseling with a registered dietician to provide added support and resources for weight-loss success.
Long-term vitamin/mineral supplementation is necessary.
EXERCISE
Patients are encouraged to incorporate aerobic and weight-training exercise into their daily routine.
Those who exercise and follow diet recommendations will lose more weight and keep it off.
Generally, you may not lift anything that causes you to strain for 4-6 weeks.
GOING BACK TO WORK
Most patients go back to work 2-4 weeks after surgery. This is dependent on the type of surgery and individual healing.
BIRTH CONTROL AND PREGNANCY
It is highly recommended that women of child-bearing age not become pregnant during the first 2 years after weight-loss surgery. Becoming pregnant during this time period can cause fetal damage.
Losing weight can increase fertility and result in pregnancy.
Two (2) forms of birth control must be used.
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP
Follow-up care with your surgeon is recommended for life.
Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor nutritional status.
Frequency of follow-up visits are based on the type of weight-loss surgery.
All patients are to have laboratory work and a face-to-face visit with the surgeon at least annually.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Weight-loss support groups offer an excellent opportunity for the patient to discuss short-term and long-term emotional issues with other individuals who have had weight-loss surgery.
Our name offers free weight-loss support group meetings the first Wednesday of every month at Sky Lakes Medical Center from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Williamson River Room.
Our surgeons and/or nurse practitioner provide educational information during the support group. The curriculum includes information about nutrition, exercise, and behavioral issues among other interesting topics.
Back to top
How can I pay for weight-loss surgery?
Most insurance companies recognize the health benefits of weight-loss surgery, however, not all insurance companies offer weight-loss surgery as a covered benefit.
Each insurance company has different criteria for surgery approval. Check your policy regarding specific requirements. Our Call Center will be happy to walk you through the approval process. Keep in mind that this approval process may take approximately 2-6 weeks or more once all necessary records and information are received and submitted.
Some insurance companies require documentation of six (6) months to two (2) years of a physician supervised diet.
If your insurance company approves weight-loss surgery, our Call Center will notify you and discuss the next steps. It is important to remember that an approval does not guarantee payment. You will be required to give a $1,500.00 deposit prior to surgery. Once your insurance company pays for the surgery, your deposit will be refunded.
If your insurance company does not offer weight-loss surgery as a benefit or you do not have insurance, contact our Call Center for special cash pay pricing for the Lap Band® or REALIZE® Band and possible alternative financing.
Back to top
What is the first step for weight-loss surgery by Dr. Mirande or Dr. Stalin?
If you are interested in weight-loss surgery with Dr. Mirande or Dr. Stalin, please contact our Call Center at
888-789-5483 or 541-274-2799 to register for a free weight-loss seminar in your area. More information about weight-loss surgery will be given at the seminar.
Back to top
|
