Are you considering weight-loss surgery? Read the answers to these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information about our procedures, recovery time, and other important aspects of bariatric surgery.
Q: Is weight-loss surgery safe?
A: Weight loss surgery is very safe. An extensive pre-operative process identifies and then stabilizes medical issues prior to actual surgery, reducing the overall risk of the procedure.
Q: Who qualifies for weight-loss surgery?
A: Patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Patients with a Body Mass Index over 40 with no medical comorbidities qualify for the procedure. Patients with BMI of 35 or greater with medical comorbidities also qualify. Medical comorbidities include diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, amongst others. Keep in mind that some insurance companies may have other requirements as well.
Q: How long will it take to recover after surgery?
A: The recommended recovery time following surgery typically ranges between 2-4 weeks.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Our bariatric weight-loss procedures take, on average, 30 minutes to one hour to complete. Operation time varies based on procedure, and will be discussed during the initial consultation.
Q: How much weight can I expect to lose after weight-loss surgery?
A: On average, patients can expect to lose 40-80% of excess weight following bariatric surgery. For example, if a patient was 100lbs over their ideal body weight, they would lose anywhere from 50-80lbs. The health benefits associated with weight-loss surgery can be seen once a patient loses 10% of their body weight.
Q: What requirements do I have to meet prior to surgery?
A: Patients must meet several requirements before they can be approved for weight-loss surgery. These include a visit with the surgeon to review procedure options, a visit with a certified psychologist/psychiatrist prior to surgery, H. Pylori clearance, and nutritional evaluation to review the bariatric diet process. Patients also require general medical clearance from a primary care physician, as well as certain specialists, depending on age and present medical issues, i.e. cardiology and pulmonology. Insurance companies may have other requirements such as a supervised diet and weight history.
Q: What will I have to do differently after surgery in order to maintain weight loss?
A: Weight loss will be determined by a variety of factors. pts will have to maintain and be adherent to the post operative diet. in order to do that they will need to ensure they make diet and lifestyle modifications. pt will also need to develop an exercise routine that will raise their heart rate 10 beats per min for 30mins at least 3 times a week.
Q: Will my insurance cover the procedure?
A: We work with the following insurance companies:
AARP MEDICARE COMPLETE
AETNA
ALL SAVERS
ALL WELL SUPERIOR MEDICARE
AMBETTER SUPERIOR
ASSURED BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR
BAKER BENEFITS ADMINISTRATORS INC
BIND BENEFITS INC
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS
BLUE CROSS MEDICARE
CHAMPVA
CIGNA
DRISCOLL CHILDRENS HEALTH PLAN
FRINGE BENEFIT GROUP
GEHA
GPA
HEALTHSPRING HMO/HEALTHSPRING MEDIC
HEALTHSPRING OF TEXAS
HIDALGO COUNTY INDIGENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
HUMANA
HUMANA HMO (MEDICARE
KEENAN CLAIMS PROCESSING UNIT
MEDICAID OF TEXAS ACUTE CARE
MEDICARE OF TEXAS
MERITAIN HEALTH
MOLINA HEALTHCARE OF TEXAS
MOLINA MARKET PLACE
MULTIPLAN/PHCS
OMAHA INSURANCE COMPANY
PROMINENCE HEALTH PLAN
SUPERIOR HEALTH PLAN TEXAS
TML HEALTH
TRICARE EAST
TRICARE FOR LIFE
TRISTAR
TRIWEST WPS
UMR
UNITED HEALTH CARE OF ALL STATES
UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE
VOCATIONAL REHAB SERVICES
WELLMED
WESTERN UNITED LIFE
Some of the above may carry exclusions.
Q: What if I gain the weight back?
Valley Surgical RGV offers revisional procedures and medical alternatives to help patients get back on track with diet if weight regain does occur.
Valley Surgical RGV is here to support you on your weight-loss journey, from start to finish. If you have any questions about our services, contact our office to speak to a member of our staff.
