answers

What is the weight criteria for having the surgery done?

You should be at least 50 pounds more than your ideal weight. For your insurance to cover the procedure, you may need a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater or a Body Mass Index of 35 or greater with other health related conditions such as the ones mentioned in the next question.

I don't meet the weight criteria, can I still have the surgery?

Yes - If you do not meet the weight criteria, you may still be considered for surgery if you are suffering from serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems/arthritis, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. You can call 1-800-777-6812 to speak to one of our representatives to ask about if your conditions could qualify you gastric band surgery, or you can set up an appointment and discuss your health with one of our local care providers.

What other criteria must I meet to be eligible for the surgery?

How old do you have to be to get adjustable gastric band surgery?

You must be at least 16 years old.

What are some health issues that may prevent someone from being able to have adjustable gastric band surgery?

1. Patients with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, or specific inflammation.
2. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary diseases.
3. Patients with potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding conditions
4. Patients with portal hypertension
5. Patients with congenital or acquired anomalies of the GI tract
6. Patients with cirrhosis
7. Patients with chronic pancreatitis
8. Patients who are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs
9. Patients who have an untreated infection
10. Patients on chronic, long-term steroid treatment
11. Patients or family members with a known diagnosis or pre-existing symptoms of autoimmune connective tissue disease
12. Pregnancy: Placement of the System is contraindicated for patients who currently are pregnant. Patients who become pregnant after band placement may require deflation of their bands.
13. Patients with congenital or acquired anomalies such as Marfans

How much weight will I lose?

Weight loss results vary from patient to patient. It is very important to set achievable weight loss goals from the beginning. Our patients typically lose 8-10 pounds a month, or 100 pounds in the first year. Remember that you should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. The main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity.

Will my surgery be covered by insurance?

Insurance companies are starting to realize that your improved health will cost them less in the long run. So more and more of them are starting to cover adjustable gastric band procedures and offering gastric band benefits. Your benefits are determined by various factors including: Your insurance company, the plan your employer purchased for you, if your plan has direct exclusions against bariatric surgery or adjustable gastric bands, if you meet your insurance company’s criteria for benefits, and if your plan has limitations on benefits for adjustable gastric bands. Our expert insurance specialists have helped hundreds of patients receive their insurance benefits, and they are waiting to help you. Request an initial consultation, where you will begin your insurance predetermination process.

Are financing options available?

We don’t want money to keep you from achieving your health and weight goals. So if insurance is not an option for you, Weight Loss Surgical Center offers financing options for our all-inclusive, discounted cash price for adjustable gastric bands. With good credit ratings, you can finance your procedure for as low as $317 a month. Contact our LAP-BAND Financing office at 1-800-777-6812 for specific estimates.

What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?

Before surgery, patients need to follow their surgeon’s instructions. Every patient is different, and the surgeon knows what specific actions a patient may need to take to improve surgical outcomes. Patients may need to consume a liquid diet for a short time before surgery, and all patients should fast the night before surgery. Patients should quit smoking before surgery if possible and make sure their surgeon and anesthesiologist have their complete medical history. Each patient should also consider logistical concerns, like comfortable clothing, a companion to bring them to and from the hospital and a pillow to help cushion the seatbelt on the ride home.

How long is the surgery itself?

Adjustable gastric band surgeries take about an hour to complete, and patients are normally released the same day.

What is the recovery time?

Most patients go home the same day. Recovery times vary from person to person, but the minimally invasive nature of this laparoscopic surgery allows many people to resume normal activities within a few days. Patients can resume an exercise program within a month.

I'm traveling in from out of town for my surgery, where should I stay?

While 9 out of 10 patients can leave the day of surgery, we may ask out of town travelers to stay in a local hotel, on us, to make sure you’re ready for travel home.

How is the band adjusted?

A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port to add or subtract saline. This process normally takes only a few minutes and most patients say it is nearly painless.

Can the band be removed?

The band can be removed. Surgeons report the stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed. After removal, patients may regain their original weight, or more. However, the band is designed to be a lifetime implant that can be adjusted over time to help keep a patient's weight at healthy levels for life.