Q: What is bariatric surgery?
A: Bariatric surgery is a surgical operation used to achieve long-term weight loss for patients suffering from morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure such as liposuction, but rather is a surgical procedure used to decrease the size of the stomach and/or gastric reservoir to safely modulate eating behavior. There are several different types of bariatric weight-loss surgical procedures, but they are known collectively as "bariatric surgery."
Q: What is morbid obesity?
A: Morbid obesity, or clinically severe obesity, is defined as a condition in which the level of obesity greatly interferes with normal activities or bodily functions. Medically speaking, this correlates to having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m 2 or with being 100 pounds or more overweight. Unfortunately, once patients reach the level of morbid obesity, non surgical methods such as medications, diet modification and exercise have poor long-term success rates.
Q: What makes one eligible for weight loss surgery?
A: Through consultation with your physician, surgeons on the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano will determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. To be considered, patients generally must:
- Be 18 to 65 years old
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40 kg/m2 or an average of 100 pounds overweight, or have a BMI of more than 35kg/m2 with one or more additional health problems associated with obesity
- Have had only short-term success at serious and multiple attempts to lose weight
- Be committed to making substantial changes in eating habits and lifestyle, and to long-term follow up with your surgeon
Q: What are the dietary adjustments necessary with bariatric surgery?
A: Both gastric bypass and Lap-Band (adjustable gastric banding) surgeries require some dietary adjustments for weight loss success.
Q: What are some of the possible complications from bariatric surgery?
A: Both gastric bypass and Lap-Band (adjustable gastric banding) surgeries have possible complications. Click on the links to learn more about the procedures.
Q: What kind of results can I expect after surgery?
A: Results vary for gastric bypass and Lap-Band (adjustable gastric banding) surgeries. Click on the links to learn more about the procedures.
Q: How much does it cost to have gastric bypass surgery?
A: Estimated charges for the surgery and hospitalization are approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Additional costs may be accrued for necessary consults before and after surgery. All professional provider fees including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist, pathologist, internist and other specialist fees are separate from the hospital charges, and you are advised to discuss these fees with his or her office. In addition, charges for care provided by the dietitian and nurse may not be covered by your insurance provider. Patients are responsible for all charges at the time of service unless an authorization for treatment is obtained from the insurance carrier in advance. It is important for you to contact your insurance carrier for your benefit information.
Q: Are patient education sessions offered if I'm interested in learning more about this surgery?
A: Yes. Free information seminars are offered each month to help you learn more about bariatric surgery procedures offered at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. These seminars provide the opportunity for you to meet physicians on the medical staff who perform bariatric surgery and to ask questions about the procedures.
Q: Does Presbyterian Hospital of Plano offer a support group for bariatric patients?
A: Patients of A. Joseph Cribbins, M.D. or Stephen Hamn, M.D. can attend a support group at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the hospital. For more information, call 972-981-8440 or visit www.yournewhealth.net.
Patients of Harry Meyers, M.D. can attend a support group at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the hospital. For more information, call 972-566-8080.
Q: What is the process if I want to have this surgery?
A: If you are interested in weight loss surgery, please contact one of the physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to schedule an appointment. The first step will be to attend an informal information seminar where you will meet the surgeon, learn about the program and have your questions answered. This is usually followed by an in-office consultation which includes a thorough medical and physical examination. Insurance specialists will also meet with you to discuss the insurance authorization process. Once approved, you will have routine laboratory evaluations and X-ray examinations. Depending on your medical history, your surgeon may also require further testing with a heart and lung specialist to prepare you for anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these requirements with you.
Q: Once I decide this is something I want to do, how long before I can have surgery?
A: The entire process from the initial point of contact to the day of surgery can vary. The length of time depends on how quickly you schedule and complete any necessary appointments and testing. The time before surgery is also affected by the insurance authorization process. The entire process takes between one to three months on average. Please understand each person's needs are different.
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