FAQ

Q: Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Candidacy is based on a BMI of 40 or greater, or 35 and greater with comorbidities associated with obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and hypertension. One also must demonstrate a longtime struggle with weight, having been on many weight reduction programs, but ultimately without success. The BMI can be measured by Googling "BMI Calculator" and plugging in your height (feet/inches) and weight (lbs).

Q: How much weight will I lose?

Successful bariatric weight loss is 50 to 75% of one's excess body weight. Excess body weight is figured by knowing your BMI and comparing your weight to a chart that lists weight with normal BMI's (20 - 25). You can look at charts of normal weight and BMI to compare.

Q: Will insurance pay for weight-loss surgery?

Insurance will cover the surgery if the criteria are met and if there are no riders in the insurance policy that exclude bariatric or weight-loss surgery.

Q: What insurance company is the best for coverage of this surgery?

Since insurance companies change their protocol often it is best to call your carrier and find out if they cover bariatric surgery.

Q: How soon can I schedule the surgery?

Once all the preoperative consultations with the pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, internist, nutritionist and bariatric coordinator are completed, we will submit the information to the insurance company for approval. This typically takes one month to complete.