Search Questions & Answers
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Question: Can I use miles for my flight?
Answer:In some cases, volunteers can use their own personal miles to obtain plane tickets. However, the same itinerary as the group is required, as is approval from the GHI administration.
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Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
Answer:Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Increased ability for physical activities
- Improved fertility and hormone levels
- Improved quality of life
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved sexual function
- Reduced dependence on medications
- Reduced risk of disease
Studies have shown that many bariatric surgery patients experience remission of obesity-related diseases such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
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Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consultation appointment when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like:Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Any health conditions (like diabetes or GERD)
- Any previous attempts at weight loss
- Your BMI
- Your health history overall
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Question: How do I get started, and what are the next steps?
Answer:Simply click the “Get Started Now” button to complete a short intake form and watch our online information session. Upon completion, you will then be asked to complete a short quiz and medical intake form. After completing all the necessary steps, a member of our team will contact you regarding the next steps to scheduling a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerDuring this consultation, the surgeon will complete a pre-operative evaluation. Additional pre-operative consultations may be needed based on your individual needs. After completing all the required steps, surgery will be scheduled between 6 weeks and 6 months following your initial consultation depending on your insurance requirements and individual needs.
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Question: How can bariatric surgery improve my overall health?
Answer:Weight-loss surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity. It can have overall health benefits like:MoreLess- Increased ability for physical activities
- Improved fertility and hormone levels
- Improved quality of life
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved sexual function
- Reduced dependence on medications
- Reduced risk of disease
Studies have shown that many bariatric surgery patients experience remission of obesity-related diseases such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
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Question: Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Answer:There are certain criteria for bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate if you:MoreLess- Are over the age of 18
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35, regardless of the presence, absence or severity of comorbidities
- Have a metabolic disease such as diabetes with a BMI of 30 to 34.9
- New guidelines also recommend that the BMI threshold be adjusted in the Asian population such that a BMI ≥ 25 suggests clinical obesity, and individuals with a BMI ≥ 27.5 should be offered MBS
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Question: Which bariatric surgery procedure is right for me?
Answer:The best weight-loss procedure for you will be determined at your consult visit when you talk with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors, like: -
Question: What is the cost of bariatric surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. It is unlikely that your insurance provider will pay 100% of the surgical costs.MoreLessWe recommend that you call your insurance provider to gain a better understanding of the coverage provided. If your insurance provider asks for a CPT code for your procedure, use the following:
- Gastric bypass CPT code = 43644
- Gastric sleeve CPT code = 43775
During this phone call with your insurance company, they can also provide you with steps you will need to take to obtain weight-loss surgical coverage.
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Question: What are some bariatric surgery risks?
Answer:The list of side effects and complications below are inherent risks when undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure. The overall mortality risk for individuals undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure is less than 0.1%. Given this low rate, one must compare the risk of surgery with the risk of persistent obesity and the medical complications associated with this disease.MoreLess- Lung complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism
- Infections such as abscess, wound infection and urinary tract infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Intestinal complications such as bowel obstruction, leak and paralytic ileus
- Acid reflux
- Dumping syndrome
- Hernia
- Re-operation
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Chronic nutritional problems such as protein deficiency, vitamin deficiency and mineral deficiency
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Question: How long do bariatric procedures take?
Answer:The bariatric surgery process and average procedure time vary on multiple factors, like the type of surgery. For example, a gastric bypass procedure usually takes about two hours, and a gastric sleeve procedure may take an hour and a half.