FAQ

Insurance does cover weight loss surgery in most cases.  In situations where insurance does not cover it, we offer cash discounts to make it more affordable.

Every patient will have dietary counseling from a registered dietitian (RD), mental health clearance evaluation, upper endoscopy, and routine blood tests prior to surgery.  Some patients will require additional testing and specialist evaluation based on your individual health history.  Some insurance companies also require several months of monthly visits with your doctor and the dietitian.  When you come for your initial appointment, we will determine your individual requirements and discuss them at that time.

The steps leading up to surgery are intended to prepare your body and mind to have surgery under the most optimal conditions possible.  We are committed to safely performing your operation.

Most patients go home the day after surgery.

The staples used in surgery are inert, do not react in an MRI, and will not set off metal detectors.

There is a monthly support group run through the Banner Wyoming Medical Center.  There are also numerous resources available online.

Your dietitian will provide recommendations for your diet, keeping in mind your unique needs.  Following surgery, the goal is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.  Fad diets do not work long term for most people and should be avoided, as they result in frustrating weight fluctuations and are usually unsustainable over the long term.

The reason is simple.  Nicotine increases your risk for major surgical complications.  You must quit for at least six weeks before surgery and it needs to be a lifelong commitment.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) can cause inflammation of the stomach, including ulcers, gastritis, and bleeding.  To safely perform weight loss surgery, your stomach needs to be as healthy as possible.  Tylenol, when taken within the recommended dosage, is extremely safe for most patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common, dangerous condition, which often goes undiagnosed.  If you have symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, daytime somnolence, or certain heart conditions, we will evaluate you for sleep apnea starting with a simple in home overnight pulse oximetry study.

The goal HbA1c is 7 or less.  This reduces your risk for complications and infection.

Some patients elect to have excess skin removed after surgery.  Most patients should wait at least a year after surgery before having excess skin removed.  This operation should be performed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Every insurance plan is slightly different in how they cover skin removal, and the plastic surgeon can help to determine what is covered.