1. How does Lap Band differ from gastric bypass?
2. How much weight is typically lost following weight loss surgery?
3. What are the qualifications for becoming a weight loss surgery candidate?
4. Why should I attend a free weight loss educational forum?
5. How do I know a surgeon and weight loss surgery program are well qualified?
6. What is the LAP-BAND® surgeon certification?
7. What is the cost weight loss surgery?
8. Who can help me with insurance- and/or financing-related issues?
1. How does Lap Band differ from gastric bypass?
The Lap Band procedure is a purely restrictive approach with no stomach stapling or intestinal rerouting, unlike the gastric bypass. A band is simply wrapped around the upper stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time and making patients feel full sooner and longer. With the gastric bypass procedure, the stomach is stapled to create a small stomach pouch and a portion of the intestines is cut and re-routed, causing fewer nutrients and calories to be absorbed.
2. How much weight is typically lost following weight loss surgery?
Generally gastric bypass patients can lose at least 60 to 70 percent of their extra weight, most of it in the first six months following surgery. Many patients eventually lose up to 90 percent of excess weight. Lap Band patients generally can lose about 50 percent of excess weight within the first year after surgery. They can lose up to 75 percent of excess weight in three to five years. But weight loss surgery is about more than just losing weight — it helps lower risk of weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pain and many others. Moreover, it helps improve appearance and boosts self-esteem.
3. What are the qualifications for becoming a weight loss surgery candidate?
We accept weight loss surgery patients ages 18 to 60. We consider people over 60 on a case by case basis. We work carefully with potential candidates to determine whether surgery is the right option and, if so, which procedure is the best choice. Successful candidates typically fall into one of two categories. One is a BMI of 40 or greater, or 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight. The other is a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with a co-morbidity such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea or elevated cholesterol. Most eligible patients have been overweight five years or more and have a history of failed weight-loss attempts with non-surgical methods. Successful candidates also must demonstrate a clear understanding of our surgical options as well as the potential short and long term risks and complications. For post-surgery success, patients must be dedicated to making recommended lifestyle changes and be committed to long-term follow up care with us.
4. Why should I attend a free weight loss educational forum?
The forum is a great way to learn about the surgery in a comfortable environment with other people who have struggled with excess weight and are interested in a surgical solution. Participants hear firsthand about the procedure and its results from our experienced surgeons and weight loss surgery team. We require those considering weight loss surgery to attend a forum before proceeding to the next step.
5. How do I know a surgeon and weight loss surgery program are well qualified?
It is important to choose a surgeon who is qualified to perform your procedure and who has a comprehensive program for post-operative follow-up. Here are some important criteria:
Weightloss surgery experience
Board certification with The American Board of Surgery
Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons
Memberships in organizations such as the American Society for Bariatric Surgery
A program with hospital facilities, supplies and equipment specific to the needs of weightloss surgery patients
A comprehensive team approach and procedures that address weight-related health conditions, dietary instruction, exercise training, nursing care and psychological counseling (if necessary)
A program that emphasizes long-term care and goals
Our weight loss surgery program at Mary Washington Hospital meets all these criteria.
7. What is the cost of weight loss surgery?
The cost of weight loss surgery depends on a patient’s individual case. Surgical, hospitalization, and other procedure fees vary. Several options are available to pay for weight loss surgery, including insurance, cash, and loans or financing. As with any surgery, it is important to understand costs and to develop a payment plan.
8. Who can help me with insurance and/or financing-related issues?
We work with each candidate to determine method of payment before an initial consultation. Patients can also speak with their insurance carrier directly to determine if bariatric surgery is covered. Before making any final decisions related to your insurance coverage or payment method, check with us to confirm which options are available.
