Connecticut Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
Weight Loss Surgery
How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?
You can find out for certain if you qualify for bariatric surgery by attending a seminar or scheduling an appointment at our Connecticut office. However, you may quality if you meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (approximately 100 pounds overweight), or with a BMI greater than 35 with one or more obesity-related health conditions
- You are considering the LAP-BAND and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (approximately 50 pounds overweight) with one or more obesity-related health conditions
- Traditional weight loss programs have failed you
How long will it take to recover after bariatric surgery?
The recovery process will vary depending on your current state of health and the type of procedure you undergo. Ehrlich Bariatrics uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques that minimize your hospital stay, cause less pain, and aid in an overall faster recovery.
Why are diet and exercise so important after weight loss surgery?
Both gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding surgery will help you lose weight by limiting your food intake and controlling your hunger. However, it is still important to consciously control the number calories you consume and eat foods that give you proper nutrition. Proper exercise will also help you achieve and maintain your goal weight.
What kind of support will I receive after surgery?
Your surgery day is only the first step on your path to successful weight loss. Ehrlich Bariatrics has a comprehensive weight loss program that offers nutritional advice, wellness counseling, and support groups.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
How much weight will I lose with gastric bypass surgery?
Most gastric bypass patients lose approximately 60-80 percent of their excess body weight with in the first 2 years after their surgery, although most of this weight loss will occur within the first 6 months. With the proper diet and lifestyle changes, patient can demonstrate continual weight loss over 10 years following surgery.
What are the risks and complications gastric bypass surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications with gastric bypass surgery. Some complications are more serious than others. Dr. Ehrlich will discuss all the potential risks with you prior to your surgery. In general, possible though infrequent gastric bypass complications include:
- Nausea
- Strictures
- Suture leaks
- Dumping syndrome
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Osteoporosis
What can I eat after gastric bypass surgery?
After gastric bypass surgery you can generally eat the same types of food you ate before surgery with the exception of sweets. Because you will be eating less you should make an effort to eat healthy, high protein foods to achieve optimal success and proper nutrition. Some patients choose to follow specific diets after surgery. Information and gastric bypass recipes are readily available online to help you eat right after surgery.
Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
How much weight will I lose with adjustable gastric banding surgery?
Most LAP-BAND patients lose approximately 50 percent of their excess body weight within the first 3 years after their surgery. Although most of this weight loss will occur in the first 12 months, the LAP-BAND System can be constantly adjusted to meet your weight loss needs. With the proper diet and lifestyle changes, patient can demonstrate continual weight loss over 10 years following surgery.
What are the risks and complications gastric banding surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications with gastric banding surgery. Gastric banding is considered one of the safest weight loss surgeries available and most complications can be fixed with a minor revisional surgery. Dr. Ehrlich will discuss all the potential risks with you prior to your surgery. In general, gastric banding surgery complications include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Band slippage or erosion
- Stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage)
What can I eat after gastric banding surgery?
In the first few weeks following gastric banding surgery, you will follow a specific diet as your stomach adjusts to the gastric band. This diet generally follows a steady progression from liquid to solid foods. Dr. Ehrlich will give you specific instructions at the time of your surgery. Once you can comfortably eat solid, foods will be able to enjoy many of the same foods you ate before surgery. Special precaution should be taken to avoid foods that block the stoma and, because you are eating less, a healthy diet, high in protein, is recommended.
Bariatric Surgery Insurance
Will my insurance cover obesity surgery?
In many cases bariatric surgery in covered by insurance. Unfortunately however, some insurance plans exclude bariatric surgery. Check with your insurance company or human resources department for a detailed explanation of your insurance benefits. In some cases, your insurance company may require special medical consultation or insist upon the completion of a medical weight loss program. That is, you may have to participate in a diet program supervised by your doctor for up to 6 months before approval. The specialists at Ehrlich Bariatrics in Connecticut can help you decipher the insurance paperwork and work toward your approval.
What do I do if I am denied coverage?
In cases where patients are denied coverage or when they choose not to go through with the insurance hurdles, financing options are available. Ehrlich Bariatrics can connect you with a financing company that specializes in funding medical procedures. Many of these programs are used by bariatric surgeons and weight loss centers throughout the country and offer affordable rates and convenient payment plans. You can also use these finance programs for other procedures, such as future plastic surgery.
