Q: What is bariatric surgery?
A: Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, it is a broad description for a number of procedures designed to help morbidly obese patients lose weight in order to regain health, improve their appearance, and boost self-esteem.
Q: Who is considered morbidly obese?
A: Generally patients who are at least 100 pounds overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 are considered morbidly obese. Calculate your BMI.
Q: What health risks are associated with morbid obesity?
A: Many life-threatening illnesses, also known as co-morbidities, are associated with obesity. The most notable of these are diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Q: Who qualifies for weight-loss surgery?
A: Morbidly obese people, or those with life-threatening illnesses caused by excessive weight, are the most likely candidates for weight-loss surgery. Are you a candidate?
Q: What surgeries do you offer?
A: Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital currently offers Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch, as well as bariatric revisions.
Q: How much weight can I expect to lose?
A: Results vary, but most people will lose at least 50 percent of their excess body weight, and some will lose 70 to 80 percent. Drastic weight loss is normal for the first 12 months after surgery, and then gradually tapers off.
Q: Besides weight-loss, what are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
A: Achieving a healthy weight can reduce or completely eliminate the co-morbidities associated with obesity. It can also increase self-esteem, improve general appearance, and give patients newfound abilities to participate in everyday life. Find out more about benefits.
Q: What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
A: Like any procedure, there are risks associated with surgery. However the mortality rate is less than one percent. Click here to find out more about risks and benefits.
Q: How long does the recovery process take? Can I expect to be in a lot of pain after surgery?
A: Our surgeons use minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques whenever possible. This means shorter recovery times and less pain for our patients. In fact, most patients are up and around on the afternoon of their surgery and are discharged in a day or two.
Q: What are the side effects associated with weight-loss surgery?
A: Since your body is undergoing such rapid change, side effects associated with dramatic weight loss are not uncommon. However, these side effects dissipate in time.
Q: Will my insurance pay?
A: Most insurance companies will pay for all or part of the surgery if patients show a documented need for the procedure. Our support staff will be happy to work with you and your insurance company throughout the approval process. Currently we are designated by the following insurance companies: Aetna, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CIGNA, HeathNet, Pacificare.
Q: Why should I choose to have my weight loss procedure done at Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital?
A: There are several reasons why you should choose Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital, including:
