Doctor’s Office

How Can I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

April 29, 2019

Many patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise are curious if they qualify for bariatric surgery. Of course, two factors contribute to “qualification.” You can qualify for surgery, and you can qualify according to your medical policy. To help people better understand the approval process, our weight loss surgeons offer a quick overview of what medical insurance companies may require for approval for weight loss surgery, as well as the typical qualifications to be a candidate for a weight loss procedure. Two main aspects are considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for a bariatric procedure: body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related health conditions. Each weight loss technique has slightly different requirements for BMI, which is usually modified based on whether an individual also experiences weight-related medical concerns. Generally speaking, the minimum BMI for any weight loss surgery is 35. As for the medical insurance approval process, this can vary dramatically from policy to policy. However, most insurances that cover bariatric surgery will require a patient to prove they have made a sincere... Read More

Can I Have Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery?

March 15, 2019

Initially after weight loss surgery you will have significant restrictions on what you can eat and drink, and this list includes caffeine. However, that does not mean you can never have caffeinated beverages ever again. Our bariatric surgeons want patients to understand that their stomachs are quite sensitive after a procedure. As a result, they need to be very careful about how they reintroduce foods and liquids. Caffeine should be avoided for the first 30 days after you have surgery. If you love coffee or caffeinated tea, you may reintroduce these beverages into your diet slowly after this point if your surgeon thinks it is safe to do so. Most people enjoy their coffee or tea with other substances, including sweeteners and dairy. Choose wisely about which caffeinated items you drink and how much sugar and fat are in them. With a little care, you can continue to sip your favorite type of drinks, including caffeinated ones, once your body has healed. For more information about what to eat and drink after bariatric surgery, please reach out to our medical... Read More

Does Bariatric Surgery Cause Hair Loss?

February 15, 2019

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing in many ways, and it offers a chance for patients to restore their confidence as well as their health. That said, some effects of weight loss surgery are less well-received, and one of the most common is hair loss. Hair loss following bariatric surgery can occur for a number of reasons, but in the majority of cases, the effect is temporary. The cause of temporary hair loss after weight loss surgery typically results from a response to anesthesia or due to the severe calorie reduction that follows treatment. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and is usually a short-term condition. Depending on your risk for hereditary hair thinning and loss, regrowth may be complete or partial after a few to several months. Many hair restoration options now exist that may help regrow hair that was shed during the recovery period without returning. That said, most patients find this effect a minor bump on the road to a healthier, happier life. If you have any questions about hair loss following weight loss... Read More

Do I Need Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

January 7, 2019

Most bariatric patients hope to have a single procedure to address their concerns, but in some cases a second surgery may be necessary. The reasons for this can vary, and your options for revision weight loss surgery will also depend on the technique originally used and the goal of the second surgery. If you think you may need revisional bariatric surgery, our extensively trained and board-certified weight loss surgeons can help you identify the problem and develop a customized solution that optimizes your results. Some of the reasons patients may need revision bariatric surgery include: Complications stemming from the initial procedure Insufficient weight loss Excessive weight loss Preference for another weight loss technique The final possibility, preference for another weight loss technique, is quite uncommon, but is often expressed in combination with another issue, such as insufficient weight loss or complications. During your initial consultation, we will review your results, discuss your desired outcome, go over your lifestyle habits, and provide guidance as to the next step in your care. Talk to us today for more information.

Medical Tourism and Bariatric Surgery: Why It’s Better to Stay Close to Home

October 18, 2018

Healthcare can be confusing and expensive, and if you’re seeking bariatric surgery, usually there are a number of requirements to complete and “hoops” to jump through before you can have it. As a result, many people look into crossing the border for their weight loss procedure; however, patients should be very cautious about traveling to foreign countries for this type of operation. Once surgery is complete, the real work begins. The recovery period is an important part of achieving the results you are seeking. Healing, overall progress, and bariatric support programs will continue well after you have returned to the US, so checking in with your physician, monitoring your experience, and providing excellent care and treatment become far more difficult from a distance. Furthermore, should you need urgent care, it may be difficult or impossible for you to see your operating physician. It’s also important to remember that patients who are obese often have weight-related medical conditions that make flying and traveling by other means more complicated or unwise. Your health, comfort, and results should remain primary concerns throughout treatment.... Read More

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