Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Surgery
Who should consider weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is not cosmetic surgery. It is a tool to help decrease or eliminate weight-related conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea and diabetes. It is a tool to improve the quality of life and to extend your life expectancy
A patient must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more to qualify as a candidate for weight loss surgery.
A patient who has specific weight-related health issues may qualify for surgery with a BMI of 35-39.9. Some examples of these medical conditions include diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Weight loss surgery can also improve the lifestyle of patients by improving their mobility and making exercise and activity easier to accomplish with less weight.
What weight loss options are available from MercyOne Genesis?
Non-surgical options – The Center for Weight Management also offers one-on-one sessions with our registered dietitian to help with weight loss. Insurance companies typically do not cover non-surgical options.
Surgical options –
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that physically restricts the amount of food a person can eat at one time. The procedure also reroutes a portion of the intestine, creating a shorter path for food to be digested.
- Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes 75-80% of the stomach, restricting the intake of food before patient feels full.
How much weight will I lose?
Following gastric bypass a patient can expect to lose an average of 70% of their excess body weight over the first 12-18 months after surgery. This typically can be 100 to 150 pounds.
Following the vertical sleeve gastrectomy a patient can expect to lose an average of 60% excess body weight over the first 12-18 months after surgery. This typically can be 100 to 150 pounds.
More than 3,000 MercyOne Genesis Center for Weight Management patients have lost the equivalent of 100 tons of excess weight.
What are the risks of the surgical options?
MercyOne Genesis Center for Weight Management has an outstanding record for patient safety and has an experienced team that has performed more than 3,000 weight loss surgeries.
Bariatric surgery comes with risks, as does every surgical procedure. The National Institutes of Health study found that bariatric surgery risks are no greater than gallbladder or hip replacement surgery. Level of risk is different for different patients, depending on general health and chronic conditions. Risk level is discussed with the bariatric surgeon during your consult visit.
What are the health benefits of weight loss surgery and the loss of weight?
Improvement or resolution in obstructive sleep apnea; type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), high cholesterol, high blood pressure. The risk of heart disease and stroke is lowered. Joint health improves and some patients can proceed with needed joint replacement surgeries.
What happens after surgery?
The best thing that happens is that patients become MercyOne Genesis Center for Weight Management patients for life and have access to surgeons, nurses, a dietitian, support groups and counseling. Patients have follow-up appointments multiple times during the first year after bariatric surgery and then are seen every year for life.
Bariatric surgery patients are required to take vitamins for life. The vitamin regimen includes a daily multivitamin, iron, calcium with Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
The cost of surgery will differ for every person. The cost depends on your insurance coverage. There are costs related to the surgery that are not covered by insurance. The patient will be responsible for any co-pays, deductibles and possibly out of pocket maximum.
Will my insurance cover surgery?
Anyone considering bariatric surgery should call the number on the back of their insurance card to see if their policy includes bariatric surgery. Many insurance companies will pay for bariatric surgery if you have met their criteria and bariatric surgery requirements such as a mental health testing, dietary counseling and possibly primary care visits.
Why Choose the MercyOne Genesis Center for Weight Management?
- More than 3,000 surgeries performed by our highly skilled team
- Excellent patient safety record
- Accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program through the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Designated Center of Excellence by United Healthcare
- Designated a Blue Distinction Plus Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield
What is the first step toward bariatric surgery?
The first step towards bariatric surgery is to sign up for a free education class offered twice a month. The nursing staff teach the class. We encourage anyone thinking about surgery to bring a support person with you to the free education class.
Surgical Procedures | Weight Management | MercyOne Genesis
