Question 1

if i have bariatric surgery, what exactly can i expect when i wake up in the recovery room?

Accepted Answer

Nothing extraordinar: Once you wake up in the recovery room, you'd feel no different than if you had other type of surgery. You may have some discomfort from the incision, some groginess from the anesthesia, a dressing on the abdomen, but those are common things after any surgery.

Question 2

without insurance how much money does bariatric surgery cost in the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

Cost of Surgery: The out of pocket cost of bariatric surgery in the us for an individual varies tremendously. The factors that affect cost include the type of operation (band, bypass, sleeve), where the operation is done (hospital vs surgery center), and who does the operation. Bottom line, $13k to $30k as a ballpark figure. Shopping for the cheapest is a bad idea. Look for the best surgeon.

Question 3

how can i obtain bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pay big bucks: Bariatric surgery is quite expensive, $10k or more, and usually not covered by insurance.  

A safer and effective method that might run you a few hundred dollars is good old fashioned diet and exercise. Buy the dvds from "the biggest loser", go to websites like loseit.Com, and invest in a gym membership or a treadmill.  Add nutrisystem or weightwatchers so the meals are easier. You can do it!

Question 4

what will happen after bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss: Provided there are complications from the surgery itself, you will start experiencing benefits of the surgery, namely, weight loss. Depending on the modality used, it will be either more sharp or slow. Also, you may have some side effects, such as diarrhea, again depending on the type of surgery. Also, it is very important you will need to stick to a dietary regimen and not to eat what you want.

Question 5

how can you feel about bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Bariatric surgery : How do I feel? It can be a life saving, life altering operation. It can improve or even cure you of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, chf, etc. And as a result make you live longer. How will you feel? You have to be ready and committed to make a complete lifestyle change. Eat healthy food ; exercise. It's not easy. It takes work, but you will feel great.

Question 6

is it true that bariatric surgery is dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Dangerous: Yes and no. It is extremely safe when performed by the top centers in the country with extensive experience (for example, my group has done over 5000 operations). If done by less qualified surgeons then yes it can be dangerous. Visit a few doctors and ask what their experience is. 7-10 years of experience and a few thousand cases are good numbers. In nor cal, calvin higa and john morton are great.

Question 7

please tell me how effective is bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Very effective: Weight loss after bariatric surgery depends on multiple factors. The most important one is the patient's motivation to lose the weight. There are multiple procedures and each one has its pros and cons. A consultation  with a bariatric surgeon is most helpful to understands these different options.

Question 8

is bariatric surgery a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes!: Bariatric surgery has been determined by the national institutes of health to be the only way to lose 100 pounds and keep it off. The weight loss affects every organ system in a positive way, generally adding 20 good years to your life expectancy. It also resolves conditions like diabetes, reflux, hypertension, sleep apnea, arthritis or prevents them. The smartest decision you could make!

Question 9

are there any activity restrictions following bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most surgeons will recommend avoiding heavy lifting (over15-20 pounds) for 4-6 weeks to minimize the risk of hernia formation.  You should also avoid swimming or soaking incisions until they have healed.

Question 10

which conditions would insurance cover for bariatric surgery,  lapband?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Coverage varies depending on the insurance companies. Check on line which your insurance will cover

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Bariatric surgery chat room

A member asked:

If i have bariatric surgery, what exactly can i expect when i wake up in the recovery room?

A member asked:

Without insurance how much money does bariatric surgery cost in the u.s.?

A member asked:

How can i obtain bariatric surgery?

A member asked:

What will happen after bariatric surgery?

A member asked:

How can you feel about bariatric surgery?

A member asked:

Is it true that bariatric surgery is dangerous?

A member asked:

Please tell me how effective is bariatric surgery?

A member asked:

Is bariatric surgery a good idea?

A member asked:

Are there any activity restrictions following bariatric surgery?

A member asked:

Which conditions would insurance cover for bariatric surgery, lapband?

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