What is Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery involves surgically reducing the size of the stomach or intestine to force a reduction in the amount of food absorption and to promote weight loss. The procedure can involve a combination of modifying, bypassing, sealing a…

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Before we talk about what weight loss surgery is, we need to be clear about what it’s not: It’s not a quick fix, it’s not for cosmetic purposes only, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Weight loss surgery works. But it’s serious stuff — b…

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Definition Bariatric surgery uses an operation to promote weight loss by changing the digestive system s anatomy to limit the amount of food that can be eaten and digested. Purpose Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. In 2004,…

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Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

How do you feel about bariatric surgery?

Q: Has anyone had the bariatric surgery? How did it change your life? Did you have any health issues after the surgery?

A: I had gastric bypass surgery in April 2005. I started out at 268, now I’m 180 and holding. These links will help you in many ways to make a decision if this is for you or not. I vote yes, because it made such a difference in my life. I was taking 8 pills a day, and after my surgery, I lost my diabetes. The way they do the surgery, takes your diabetes away. I no longer have to take glucophage, and I no longer have high Cholesterol or high blood pressure. I’m down to 2 pills a day. I went from a size 26-28 to a 16-18.http://obesityhelp.com/member/rjpoole/Most people struggle with paying for the surgery. Go to this site, it is a great support system for you, because it’s only people who have had gastric bypass or lap band. Every insurance program has been rated, and you’ll get tips on how to deal with your insurance company, as well as, surgery tips, food tips, and just support. This site is free! I’d have to rate it a #1 site if you want to learn about the surgery and how to deal with the insurance companies and get support from other people in the same boat as you.This is the #1 site for gastric bypass and it’s free! Extremely helpful! http://www.obesityhelp.com/This explains about the surgery:http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm I really researched my surgeon, and I made a wise choice. Always get a surgeon that has done at least 200 of these surgeries. Get someone with a lot of experience, and you will do well.Here’s all about my surgeon…http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+profile+James+Pilkington+djp.htmlhttp://www.cmch.org/profile-pilkington.htmlYou just can’t find a better surgeon than him! He’s probably done at least 500 of the surgeries, so far. I did so well after my surgery, I thank him every time I see him.I made it to 175! It’s been almost 2 years since my surgery. I haven’t had any complications at all with my surgery! My health has been very good, and I’ve lost the weight nice and slow, so my body doesn’t look that much out of shape. I’ve been faithfully taking my vitamins, and my blood work came back excellent! I still think very highly of Dr. Pilkington, and would recommend to anyone thinking of this surgery, to have Dr. Pilkington as his or her surgeon. I’m walking proof, that he is an excellent doctor. I just spoke to another patient of his who told me she had a very good experience with him, and she is in excellent health, as well. He is a very caring doctor. I live in Florida in the winter. I see alot of folks down there because of my job, and I see people from all over the USA and overseas. Since my surgery, I’ve talked to lots of others that have had the surgery in Florida, and some of them didn’t do as well, and I tend to think it’s because their doctors weren’t as competent as mine. I feel that part of how you do, is because of your general health and attitude. The other major part is how good your doctor is. Here’s a website that tells what to look for in a surgeon;http://www.texasbariatricspecialists.com/gastric-bypass-surgery.htmlhttp://www.docshop.com/education/bariatrics/choose/Gastric Bypass diet: (after surgery)http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs22.htmThere is a very good web site by a guy named Basil White. He’s a govt. worker and a comedian. He walks you through everything. Very interesting. He had the surgery and did well. If you want an idea how people handle the surgery, read here!http://www.basilwhite.com/gastric/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2673693938716382320&hl=enhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/WT00007http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-surgery/AN01378http://www.webmd.com/content/article/46/2731_1654.htmhttp://www.lapband.com/lapband/aboutlapband.doA must read if you have questions:http://www.liteandhope.com/livechat_archive1003.htmlhttp://www.bariatricedge.com/dtcf/pages/finding_support.htm?WT_srch=1Check out this link, this lady put her heart and soul into it, with lots of great info:http://www.gastricbypassfamily.com/index.htmVitamins I take… you have to be very faithful about taking them after surgery, because you can become very sick if you don’t. There were recommended by my surgeon and nutritionist.http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359http://www.webmd.com/hw/weight_control/hw252819.aspSome other helpful links…http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Obesity/Gastric_Bypass_Surgery/http://www.stapleclub.com/general_info.htmhttp://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1454/1337http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508http://www.connectionwls.com/http://www.mygastricbypass.com/http://www.gwdocs.com/health/eHA-eHA_Content_C-Generic_Content_Page_Template_1131123706877.htmlRisks of Gastric Bypass SurgeryGastric bypass surgery is considered the safest and most effective type of bariatric surgery. But as with any major surgery, the procedure does carry some risks.http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35508http://www.dhmc.org/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&org_id=28&morg_id=0&sec_id=0&gsec_id=35507&item_id=35514Good luck with your surgery and new life!

How can I find an insurance policy that covers bariatric surgery?

Q: My insurance doesn’t cover any bariatric surgery. Is there any way I can find a policy that does cover it, and purchase the policy privately?

A: The only way to get on a policy that covers bariatric surgery is to find a job with health benefits that do cover the surgery. If you have a BMI great enough to qualify for the surgery you will be over the height and weight guidelines of all individual plans that cover the surgery.

How do I find an insurance plan that covers bariatric surgery?

Q: In January I will no longer be on my parents’ plan, as I will be too old. I am finding it impossible to search for a plan and know what procedures it covers. What do I do?In February I will be eligable for health insurance through my job, but is there a way I can find out the difference between individual healthplans and know if it covers bariatric surgery?

A: Your best bet is to get coverage through an employer group.Bariatric surgery is almost always going to be excluded from an individual, privately purchased plan. And, as others have said, you may not qualify for an individually purchased health plan if your BMI and co-morbidities are significant enough to need bariatric surgery. (Co-morbidities = conditions you have as a result of your weight issues – diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. )Once you’re eligible for your employer’s plan, then you can inquire whether or not bariatric surgery is covered. (If your employer offers more than one plan option, you should be able to request the details of each policy for use when deciding between the plans.)Whether or not bariatric surgery is covered isn’t a blanket decision by the insurance company for all groups. It depends upon whether your employer group chose to include it in their coverage – many employers exclude it as an attempt to save on premiums. XYZ Insurance Company might cover bariatric surgery for Employer #1 (who chose to include it), but exclude bariatric surgery for Employer #2 (who chose to have it excluded to cut their premiums). You can’t just use the name XYZ insurance company to determine whether they cover bariatric surgery – you have to know what specific policy you’ll be enrolling under. Coverages can vary widely, even within the same insurance company. BTW – you should be advised that there is a lot of documentation required to get insurance approval for bariatric surgery. If you’re certain that you’ll start pursuing that option come February, you should start gathering some of the documentation now to speed up the approval process for you.Some of the standard items you’ll typically see requested from the insurer: 5 year documented weight history, documented non-surgical weight loss attempts, absence of active substance abuse for at least 12 months prior, etc.