GVMC Bariatric Surgery

Is this like liposuction?
This surgery is not at all like liposuction. In liposuction, fat is suctioned from your body. In bariatric surgery, the size of your stomach is reduced. Depending on the type of procedure performed, bariatric surgery may also reduce the amount of intestine your body uses to absorb calories.
Are there other benefits to bariatric surgery?
Yes. Surgery improves most obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease and many orthopedic conditions. As an added benefit, your life expectancy increases. Not only do you look better, you feel better!
Who is not a good candidate for the procedure?
You are not a good candidate for the surgery if you are dependent on alcohol or drugs, are unlikely to adhere to a regimen of proper eating and exercise after the surgery, or if your co-morbidities or age make the potential risks greater than the likely benefits of the surgery.
Can I still have surgery if I have diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, or sleep apnea?
Yes. In fact, most of the people who have gastric bypass surgery have some of these conditions. However, in some cases, these conditions will be so severe that they will make the risk of complications from the surgery so high your surgeon cannot recommend the surgery. This is part of the reason your surgeon will require so many tests prior to agreeing to perform the surgery. You should take time to ask your surgeon all of the questions you have about the surgery before you agree to it.
How safe is the procedure?
This is a major surgery and, as with any major surgery, there are risks. Most people who qualify for bariatric surgery have related health problems (co-morbidities) such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which increase the risk of complications. You should be aware that if you have these co-morbidities, there are also risks associated with failure to get your weight under control. There are now about 100,000 procedures performed in the U.S. each year, so the surgery is not uncommon. Surgeons are aware of potential complications, and are able to take precautions to minimize their occurrence. Your program manager will make sure you are aware of the risks and complications, and your surgeon will answer all of your questions before you commit to the surgery. You will speak to a surgeon who will explain the risks and complications and be asked to sign a statement indicating you understand these risks and complications before you are allowed to have this surgery.

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Is such rapid weight loss dangerous?
Usually not. Patients during weight loss should be on vitamin supplements. Blood tests are obtained periodically to monitor your blood chemistries and nutritional status.
What foods should I avoid?
Generally, you will want to avoid unrefined sugars and fats and, often, dairy products. You will be given a diet handbook for specifics.
What happens to all the excess skin after I lose the weight?
If there is too much excess skin hanging, it will require surgery. The surgery will entail either a trimming of the skin or a more detailed procedure such as Abdominoplasty.

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When can I get pregnant?
Once you have reached the 18 month mark and are back on a regular diet regimen for gastric bypass patients, you should be able to have a normal, healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Most health insurance companies cover most of the cost of the surgical procedure. Our insurance specialists will work with you to try to arrange for your insurance company to pay for the surgery.
Is any of the cost tax deductible?
In April, 2002, the Internal Revenue Service issued a new regulation that acknowledged obesity as a disease itself. By doing so, the IRS agreed to treat costs for obesity treatment including weight loss surgery – assuming a medical diagnosis of obesity – as any other medical expense. All obesity medical treatment expenses beyond the existing minimum 7.5% of gross income are now deductible.

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