Frequently Asked Questions

Are the requirements for surgery the same for both surgeries performed at KDMC?

Yes. We follow the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines. The guidelines are the same for all surgical weight loss procedures. You must have a BMI of at least 35 with associated health problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Patients with a BMI of 40 or greater qualify for surgery based on their weight alone.

My insurance company says that I need to have medical weight loss prior to surgery. What does that mean?

Medical weight loss is often required by an insurance company or as a recommendation from a member of the Surgical Weight Loss team. Medical weight loss consists of meeting with the dietitians and, in some cases the behavioral health specialist, monthly. In addition, your family physician must recommend a medical weight loss course of treatment that includes monthly follow-up visits with monthly weigh-ins and documentation. Medical weight loss is generally required in three, six, or 12 month increments. Your individual medical weight loss requirements will be discussed on your initial office visit.

What happens if medical weight loss is required by my insurance or healthcare provider and I miss one month?

The months generally must be consecutive. If a month is missed, you must start the process over. Our program offers medical weight loss classes twice a day every Thursday.

What about the excess skin after weight loss?

Excess skin is a common problem after weight loss surgery. It is important to seek treatment if you develop any rashes or skin irritation associated with this. Often patients think if the weight loss is not as rapid or if they exercise more than five days a week, they won’t have excess skin. The...

I have only tried a few diets. Is Surgical Weight Loss right for me?

You must have at least three serious dietary attempts such as Weight Watchers, a low calorie diet, or others—one of which should have been within the last year. Surgery is a life changing, serious endeavor and should not be your first attempt at weight loss.

Are there certain medications that I need to avoid?

Medications that are “time released” will need to be adjusted if you are choosing to have a gastric bypass. All Surgical Weight Loss patients should avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen, and others. Medication questions will be addressed during your pre-op teaching class. Please speak to your physician for specific medication questions.

What if I smoke or chew tobacco?

It will be mandatory to stop using smokeless tobacco or cigarettes prior to surgery. The nurse will discuss this with you on your initial office visit. You will be given information regarding our tobacco cessation program and a member of our team will be more than happy to get you registered.

Will I have to take vitamins after my surgery?

Your surgeon will order blood work frequently after surgery. Lap assisted gastric band patients can take an adult vitamin such as Centrum as directed. It is necessary for bypass patients to take a bariatric-specific vitamin, iron and calcium supplement for life. This will be discussed in depth during your initial office visit with one of the program dietitians, during pre-op teaching class and in your instructions during discharge from the hospital.

How long after surgery will my sleep apnea be resolved?

A screening will be done on your initial office visit to see if you are at risk for sleep apnea. The Surgical Weight Loss program works closely with our Sleep Medicine Center to diagnose and treat our patients. Sleep apnea is often resolved after surgery. A recommendation will be made after you’ve experienced weight loss to reassess your sleep apnea.

I’ve been told that I am a “borderline diabetic.” Will surgery help my diabetes?

A blood test will be done to determine your risk for diabetes. If you are already being treated for diabetes, we require the results of a Hemoglobin A1C level within the last six months. KDMC offers education and support groups to assist patients in managing their diabetes. Also, diabetes often is resolved after surgery.