When Bariatric Surgery is the Best Option: Q&A

Q: What is obesity?

A: Obesity is a chronic medical condition— not a character flaw or personal failure. Weight gain can trigger changes in your body that may make you prone to certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and sleep apnea.

Q: Can bariatric surgery reverse obesity-related medical conditions?

A: Yes.  In many cases bariatric surgery can improve and often reverse obesity-related conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and chronic bone and joint pain.

Q: When is surgery appropriate?

A: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity. Many people find that nutritional counseling, activity recommendations, and medications help. But for a large group of people, bariatric surgery is the best option for long term success and controlling other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Q: Is bariatric surgery safe?

A: Any operation comes with risks, but bariatric surgery is very safe. We offer both laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery. Within a couple of hours after surgery, we’ll have you up and walking, and in most cases, you can go home the next day.

Q: What happens before bariatric surgery?

A: We start by going over your current medical situation and your history. If you have uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, we work to get that in check before surgery.

Small changes in things like physical activity and diet can make surgery safer, and they’re good habits to start forming for your life after surgery. You’ll meet with behavioral health, nutrition, sleep medicine, and weight management providers.

Preparing for bariatric surgery is a big commitment. Remember why you are doing it and that you’re not alone – we are with you the whole way.

Q: What can I expect after surgery?

A: Every patient is different, but over the weeks and months after your surgery, you can expect to lose up to 60% to 80% of your excess weight. The most important thing is that you’ll feel better.

Your nutritionist will help you with a meal plan that starts with a liquid diet and gradually introduces solid foods. Though you still digest food normally, your body may not be able to absorb vitamins as well, so taking vitamin supplements is needed.

Q: If insurance doesn’t cover the procedure, how can you pay for surgery?

A: If you qualify for the surgery medically, the chances are very good that your insurance will cover bariatric surgery. Our program is one of the few in Ohio that has certification from all the major insurance providers, because of our high rates of success. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance coverage still leaves you with high out-of-pocket expenses, our financial department can work with you on a payment plan.