Will my health insurance pay for surgery?
The office will put together a packet of information to submit to your insurance company. This packet will include your nutrition evaluation, psychological evaluation, blood levels, and diet history information. Surgery is only covered if a patient does not have exclusions in their contract and if a case can be made that it is medically necessary.

More information about insurance coverage can be obtained from your insurance company and we suggest you call them directly.

Must I attend the support group?
Yes, every patient must attend at least one support group meeting (see schedule) before being booked for surgery. It is encouraged that you bring an adult family member with you to the meeting.

How do I decide which procedure is right for me?
We suggest you consider activities such as: attending a support group meeting, doing research on-line and talking to other patients. Bring in a list of questions and concerns for your surgeon. Consider your lifestyle and how much weight you need to lose to be healthier.

Can I die from surgery?
There may be complications after surgery that can lead to grave illness and/or death. The rate of death with bariatric surgery is no greater than that of other abdominal surgeries. Every effort is made to medically prepare the patient in order to reduce risk.

Communication with your doctor’s office and compliance with their instructions before and after surgery will help you to have a safe recovery.

Will I have a scar?
Yes, with scar size depending upon the type of surgery performed. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery requires the insertion of five to seven tools through small punctures in the abdomen. These openings will heal and scar. Open procedures are usually closed with subcutaneous sutures, which dissolve as healing progresses.

Are there long-term side effects?
Long-term negative side effects can usually be avoided by following nutritional guidelines, following up with your doctor and having regular blood levels taken. Communication is key; should something out of the ordinary come up, please make sure the doctor is contacted.

Will I be able to get pregnant after surgery?
Yes, we have experienced many happy and healthy pregnancies in our patient population. You are actually much more likely to get pregnant after losing weight; however, it is very important that you do not get pregnant during the period of maximum weight loss following your operation (usually 12-18 months). Many women are unable to conceive prior to surgery and are much more likely to get pregnant once they lose the excess weight, if there are not specific medical reasons for their inability to conceive.

Will I lose my hair?
Hair loss is very common any time there is a large and rapid weight loss. Hair is a vanity item that the body does not pay much attention to when your calorie intake is significantly reduced. Most hair loss, which usually grows back, occurs between eight to 12 months post-surgery. Being vigilant with your vitamins and protein intake will help.

How long is the hospital stay?
Patients who have a Lap-Band are usually discharged in 24-36 hours. Open procedures or complicated recoveries may require longer hospital stays.

How long does the surgery take?
Procedure time varies for each patient, however the average time for the Lap-Band procedure is 45 minutes. average times.

How is the pain managed?
A morphine pump is attached to an IV. The patient uses a hand-held control to signal the pump to administer morphine; the pump will not allow more than one dose to be given in a set time period. Torradol and Demerol are also utilized as necessary. The patient is discharged with a prescription for Tylenol with codeine, unless allergies are present.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients return to work within two to eight weeks, depending upon how strenuous their job is. Healing time varies from patient to patient. Returning to work is usually a little sooner after a laparoscopic procedure.

How much weight will I lose?
Most Lap-Band patients lose between 40-60% of their excess body weight. Long-term studies show that there is some weight regain (10-15%) after five years. A few patients will reach their ideal weight, but most do not.

What if I lose too much weight?
This has not been a problem in our experience; however, surgical adjustments can be made if necessary.

Can I have diabetes and still have weight loss surgery?
Yes. Each patient’s health must be fully evaluated, but bariatric surgery has been shown to improve management of diabetes (as well as other diseases) and, in some cases, the weight loss can completely eliminate the need for medication.

What happens to the staples if I need an MRI?
The staples are made of a non-magnetic material, so they will not be affected by an MRI.

How often will I have to come see the doctor?
The average schedule after surgery is as follows:

• 1st visit – 7 days after discharge
• 2nd visit – 14 days after discharge
• 3rd visit – 6 weeks after discharge (Lap-Band – first adjustment)
• 4th visit – 3 months after discharge
• 5th visit – 6 months after discharge
• 6th visit – 9 months after discharge
• 7th visit – 12 months after discharge
• Once a Year Thereafter

Patient needs will be continually assessed during the recovery process. Fewer or additional visits will be determined on an individual need.

When can I drive after surgery?
Two weeks after discharge, in most cases.

Do I have to quit smoking?
Yes. You must quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery because it increases the risk of complications after surgery and slows the healing process.

When may I start exercising?
You may start walking and climbing stairs as soon as you are able. Gentle exercise such as walking helps the body to heal. More strenuous exercise should be delayed until six weeks after surgery.

When can I return to sexual activity?
Approximately six weeks after surgery.

Nutrition FAQs