Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery FAQs

Obesity Surgery FAQs

The following page features a list of informative questions and answers intended to provide general information about bariatric surgery and the lifestyle changes that accompany all weight loss surgery. If you have specific questions concerning any of the treatments featured on this site, Dr. Wade Barker and the entire staff are always available to answer your questions. We will be happy to discuss what you can expect before, during, and after weight loss surgery. If you have additional questions, please use the comment form.

Do I qualify for LAP BAND or gastric bypass surgery?

You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery with if:

You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women)
You have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious obesity-related health problem (such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension or severe sleep apnea).
You have been obese for at least five years
You do not have a history of addiction or severe psychiatric problems . You possess a thorough understanding of weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes it will require you to make.

Will my insurance company cover the LAP BAND procedure?

In general, about 50 % of insurance companies will cover the LAP BAND procedure if requirements are met warranting a Letter of Medical Necessity (stating why significant weight loss is medically necessary, based on several health criteria).

Many states have laws that require insurance companies to grant benefits for weight loss procedures, providing the patient meets the criteria of the National Institutes of Health. However, comprehensive and detailed attention is usually needed in order to obtain insurance coverage for LAP BAND surgery, which we will work diligently with you to complete.

To get a head's up on everything insurance requires as well as what 11 national companies either partially or fully cover weight loss surgery, download our free guide to lap-band insurance.

Which insurance companies cover LAP BAND and other weight loss surgeries?

Insurance companies that provide partial or complete coverage include:

Blue Cross (in some states)
Humana
First Health
Medicare
United Healthcare

For a complete list of insurance companies offering coverage for lap band, and other bariatric surgeries, download our free insurance guide.

What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?

It is necessary, before weight loss surgery authorization from an insurance company, to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity as it pertains to your request for surgery. This letter addresses why weight loss is pertinent to the health of the patient, warranting surgery. Information in the Letter of Medical Necessity includes:

Diets/Programs for weight loss tried in the past.
Weight of patient; obesity is usually determined to be 100 pounds over one's ideal weight or a BMI of 40 (at least 35 BMI with additional medical issues).
Years patient has been overweight, usually 5 years or more.
Full history of medical problems related to obesity, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

How much weight can I expect to lose after undergoing gastric bypass or LAP BAND surgery? How long will it take to lose the weight?

With LAP BAND surgery, an average patient loses about 50 percent of excess body weight. This weight loss occurs over a period of two to three years, with the majority of weight loss occurring in the first year. With gastric bypass surgery, patients with a BMI over 50 tend to lose about the same amount as LAP BAND patients, about 50 percent of excess body weight. Gastric bypass surgery patients with a BMI under 50 often lose about 70 percent of their excess weight. Following a gastric bypass, our patients in Dallas and greater Texas can expect to lose about three-quarters of their total weight loss in the first six months; the rest occurs by one year to 18 months.

Can my gastric bypass or LAP BAND surgery be reversed in the future?

Gastric bypass surgery cannot be easily reversed. LAP BAND surgery, however, is more easily reversible. If necessary, you may undergo surgery to remove, replace, or alter the band. Please understand that reversal of any bariatric procedure would mean regaining the weight that you have lost. Bariatric surgery is meant to be a life-long commitment.

What happens if I don't obey my dietary guidelines following weight loss surgery?

Ignoring dietary guidelines following surgery can slow down weight loss and make you sick. Many gastric bypass patients who overeat and consume high-fat and high-sugar foods experience "dumping syndrome," which is characterized by sweating, fatigue, and diarrhea. Overeating can also cause vomiting.

Will I need to undergo plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin? Will it be covered by insurance?

After losing weight, many patients find that they are left with large amounts of excess, saggy skin on their bodies. To remove this skin, some patients choose to undergo plastic surgery. Since this is considered cosmetic surgery, it is typically not covered by insurance. Therefore, patients who think they might like to have plastic surgery to remove excess skin should save money for it as soon as they decide to undergo LAP-BAND surgery or gastric bypass weight loss surgery at our Dallas, Texas practice.

Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery?

After undergoing gastric bypass weight loss surgery, you will find that even small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. For the first year, it is suggested that you completely refrain from drinking alcohol. After that, you may have small amounts of alcohol with your doctor's approval. Patients who undergo LAP BAND surgery or gastric bypass surgery should avoid alcoholic drinks because they tend to be high in calories and can hamper weight loss.

If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke?

Patients who smoke cigarettes are asked to quit six to eight weeks prior to LAP BAND or gastric bypass weight loss surgery.

Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery?

Not only does exercise burn calories, but it also helps to build and preserve muscle. If you don't exercise daily, your body will consume your unused muscle as you lose weight. This will cause you to lose muscle mass and strength. For this reason, patients are encouraged to begin exercising soon after LAP BAND or gastric bypass surgery. Visit our Dallas, Texas practice to discuss which type of exercise is appropriate following surgery.

Can I get pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery?

You should avoid pregnancy for at least one year after weight loss surgery at our Dallas County surgical center. This is because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can be harmful to a developing fetus. Once a year has passed and you have returned to a regular diet, you should be able to have a healthy pregnancy. Please consult your LAP BAND / gastric bypass surgeon for more information.

How can I prevent hair loss after undergoing weight loss surgery?

Rapid weight loss often causes patients to lose some hair a few months after surgery. This is usually due to reduced intake of protein and the mineral zinc. Therefore, we recommend that you consume adequate amounts of protein and take a daily zinc supplement after LAP BAND or gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Dallas, Texas weight loss surgeon Wade Barker, M.D. will tell you more about the appropriate supplements to take after weight loss surgery.

If you have any other questions, please use our online contact form and someone will contact you within 48 hours.