Frequently Asked Questions

You may be a candidate if:

• You have a BMI of 40 or higher, or
• You have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea)
• You’ve tried other weight loss methods without long-term success
• You’re ready to commit to lifestyle changes, including a new way of eating and regular follow-up care

Not sure where your BMI falls? Use this BMI Calculator from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) website to find out if you qualify for bariatric surgery.

In the first 12-18 months:

• After a bypass, most patients typically lose 60-80% of their excess body weight (the number of pounds you carry above your ideal, healthy weight for your height)
• After a sleeve, most patients typically lose 50-70% of their excess body weight

• Results vary by procedure, personal habits, and health conditions
• Weight loss is most successful with healthy eating, regular activity, and vitamin compliance

Excess body weight is the number of pounds you carry above your ideal, healthy weight for your height.

• Schedule a consultation with our surgical team
• Begin our pre-surgical program, which includes nutrition counseling, medical evaluations, and insurance approval

Flowchart or visual roadmap of the process from info session → consult → surgery

• The surgeries are minimally invasive (laparoscopic) with small incisions
• Patients are up and walking the day of surgery
• You’ll spend one night in the hospital in most cases
• Most people return to work within 2–4 weeks, depending on your job

All surgeries carry risks. For bariatric surgery, these may include:

• Bleeding, infection, or blood clots
• Nutrient deficiencies if you don’t take your vitamins
• Weight regain without long-term lifestyle changes
• Specific risks by procedure:
• Gastric Bypass: Risk of marginal ulcers, especially in smokers or NSAID users
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: Increased risk of reflux or heartburn, and possible weight regain over time

Many insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery, but requirements vary. Our team helps you navigate the approval process.

• Most plans require:
• A documented weight history
• Participation in a supervised weight loss program
• Medical or psychological evaluations

On average, it takes 3–6 months, depending on insurance requirements and your health readiness. During that time, you'll complete:

• Medical clearances
• Nutrition and behavioral counseling
• Pre-operative testing

Yes — every patient must take bariatric-specific vitamins for life. This prevents serious deficiencies like anemia, osteoporosis, and nerve problems.

Our team will help you choose the right products and check your levels regularly

Some weight regain is normal over time — your body naturally adjusts after the first year or two. But significant weight regain usually happens when patients drift away from the habits that made them successful after surgery.

• The most common cause is not following the high-protein, high-fiber bariatric diet long term.
• Regain often occurs when people start reintroducing:
• Sugary drinks like soda or sweet tea
• Simple carbs such as chips, crackers, pretzels, bread, or baked goods
• Processed or high-calorie “slider foods” that are easy to overeat but don’t keep you full
• Skipping meals, grazing throughout the day, and not staying active can also contribute.

The good news? These patterns can be identified and addressed — and weight regain can often be reversed with support from your bariatric team.