Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Potential candidates for bariatric surgery are severely overweight and have tried and failed at numerous weight loss programs. The National Institute of Health has approved surgery for otherwise healthy individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
• Body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater with certain medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and/or sleep apnea

Is bariatric surgery safe?

Modern bariatric surgery is far safer than surgical interventions used in the 1960s and 1970s. Techniques with high risks for complications are no longer performed. Today, bariatric surgery has a complication rate like other abdominal operations. Moreover, the procedure results in dramatic weight loss and can improve and even eliminate several health-related problems associated with obesity.

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

In most cases, these certain health problems can be greatly improved, or be entirely resolved, with successful weight loss, including:

• Fewer and less severe asthma attacks
• Improved blood-sugar levels for patients with Type 2 diabetes
• Improved exercise tolerance and breathing ability
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower risk of heart disease
• Relief of pain and disability from osteoarthritis and low back pain
• Relief of sleep apnea and acid reflux
• Significant sustained weight loss

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

No surgical procedure is without risks, including bariatric surgery. The risks of bariatric surgery mainly come from possible complications of surgery such as bleeding, bowel habits, food intolerance and many others. Because there are so many variables, our bariatric surgeons get to know you first, discuss your unique circumstances and any risks specific to you!

Risks are higher for patients who are severely obese and have multiple chronic conditions. Additional information is available via one-on-one discussions with the bariatric surgeon and care team.

How long after surgery until I lose weight?

Weight loss after bariatric surgery will vary for everyone. It is common, however, for patients to lose 66% to 80% of excess weight in 18 to 24 months. While bariatric surgery is a tool for weight loss, it also takes an individual who is committed to making lifestyle changes. Those who choose bariatric surgery must be willing to change eating patterns. Our team members will help you understand what commitments must be made for a successful outcome.

Insurance and Financial Counseling

You will need to call your insurance company to find out what weight loss benefits are covered for a surgical weight loss program. You may also call us if you are having trouble reaching your insurance company. We may be able to help. If you have questions about the insurance process, our team will help you navigate the insurance approval process.

Behavioral Health Consultation

Psychological evaluation is required by  most insurance companies and our program in order to be approved for weight loss surgery.

After surgery, there will be follow-up counseling, psychiatric consultation and/or behavioral modification as needed. We ask for openness and honesty regarding psychosocial concerns you have about what will be occurring before and after surgery.

Nutrition Care

During the initial assessment our health care team will review your weight loss history, medical history, history of eating disorders, current dietary intake and eating behaviors. We will also advise on nutritional status before surgery and address other dietary restrictions; and give instructions on pre-surgery diet and initial post-surgery diet plan. During the hospital stay for bariatric surgery, our dietitians will provide personalized diet supervision.

After surgery, our dietitians will meet with you on an as-needed-basis as determined by the surgeon. In addition, post-surgery education will include long-term nutrition needs to prevent malnutrition, maintain weight loss and prevent relapse. Our team will address your needs for vitamins and minerals, protein, fluid and diet progression.

What if surgery is not for me?


Surgery is not always the right option for your care. We also have non-surgical weight loss options that involves counseling and medications related to behavior modification strategies, a combination diet of healthy protein, low fat and low carbohydrates, along with consistent exercise.

If you have additional questions not answered here, select your location to complete the consultation form!