Medical problems, such as serious heart or lung problems, can increase the risk of any surgery. On the other hand, many serious medical conditions may improve or resolve after successful bariatric surgery. Back to Top

Certain basic blood tests are done prior to surgery; complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels, phosphorus, albumin, liver enzymes, cholesterol, uric acid, magnesium, lipid profile, PT/PTT, HgbA1c as well as referrals to other specialists (Endocrinology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Pulmonary) as indicated.

Certain basic tests are done prior to surgery: a Full Blood Count, Urinalysis, and a Biochemistry Analysis, which gives a readout of about 20 blood chemistry values. Often a Glucose Tolerance Test is done to evaluate for diabetes, which is very common in overweight persons. Patients may require an X-ray and electrocardiogram. Many surgeons ask for a gallbladder ultrasound to look for gallstones.

Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. It is intended for people who are 100 pounds or more overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) and who have not had success with other weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery. Back to Top

After the patient is initially seen by the doctor, and our office has received all documentation that your insurance company requires and your pre-determination has been submitted, most patients will be scheduled for their bariatric surgery within weeks, barring any unforeseen issues (such as insurance difficulties, life-threatening medical conditions, etc.)

Theoretically all kinds of surgical procedures for obesity such as laparoscopic gastric bypass, the lap band (laparoscopic adjustable banding), stomach stapling (gastric bypass), and other weight loss procedures can be performed laparoscopically (also called minimally invasive surgery), because it is performed through very small incisions and because postoperative hospital stay is shorter and recovery is quicker.

Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many co-morbid conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed: – Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight). Back to Top

There are several ways to pay for surgery, including: – Health insurance coverage for bariatric surgery

Most doctors recommend that women wait at least one year after the surgery before a pregnancy. Approximately one year postoperatively, your body should be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint), and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. Consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy. Back to Top

Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats, sleeps, thinks, and feels. There are many reasons people with morbid obesity may experience depression. Emotional health goes hand in hand with physical health. Lifestyle improvements and renewed health can help resolve depression. Weight loss, combined with counseling, can be very helpful in improving mental health.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Known as the wear-and-tear kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which there is a breakdown of joint cartilage. For anyone who is living with morbid obesity, the excess body weight placed on joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, and pain caused by inflammation.