Bariatric Surgery Program

FAQ

What are the medical reasons for bariatric (weight loss) surgery?
Which operation(s) do you offer?
Why do I have to do medically supervised weight loss prior to my surgery?
When is my paperwork sent to my insurance company?
How long will it be before my surgery is scheduled?
What are the qualifications of your surgeons?

What are the medical reasons for bariatric (weight loss) surgery?

There are several medical reasons to consider bariatric surgery:

Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 and/or more than 100 lb. overweight.
BMI of 35 with serious health problems caused by being overweight (sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or diabetes).
Formal diet programs or prescription diet medications have failed.
A weight loss surgeon determines you are an acceptable risk for obesity surgery.

TOP

Which operation(s) do you offer?

Our surgeons offer several bariatric procedures depending on the needs of the individual. We encourage you to learn more on our website, so you and your surgeon may make an informed decision about an effective and safe option for you.

Laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (commonly referred to as stomach stapling)
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. There is a choice between two different bands: the Realize® band and the LapBand®.
Laparascopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve).

TOP

Why do I have to do medically supervised weight loss prior to my surgery?

There are several reasons you’re asked to pursue medically supervised weight loss before you have surgery.

Insurance companies require it. The length of time you must pursue medically supervised weight loss varies and is dependent on your insurance plan. The Comprehensive Weight Loss Center offers medically supervised weight loss plans, or you may pursue this effort with your primary physician.

In some circumstances, we may determine weight loss before surgery is necessary to ensure we can safely perform your surgery laparoscopically. We may also ask you to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program if we feel a structured program can help you to overcome lifestyle habits that could prevent you from being successful after surgery.

TOP

When is my paperwork sent to my insurance company?

When we have received all of the necessary test results and written materials required by your insurance company, the paperwork is sent. That is usually six weeks after you have met with your surgeon. Our office calls you when your papers are sent to your insurance company.

TOP

How long will it be before my surgery is scheduled?

Surgery is scheduled when we receive approval from your insurance company. This length of time varies among insurance companies.

TOP

What are the qualifications of your surgeons?

Our surgeons, James Wallace, MD, PhD, Matthew Goldblatt, MD, and Jon Gould, MD, FACS, have a wealth of experience in bariatric surgery. Drs. Goldblatt and Gould both completed an extra year of specialty training in a minimally invasive bariatric surgery at the Ohio State University (Dr. Gould in 2002, Dr. Goldblatt in 2006). All three are certified by the American Board of Surgery and are members of the American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. You may learn more about their expertise by viewing their profiles.

TOP

Date: Nov. 23, 2011

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre