FAQs: How to Learn More about Bariatric Surgery
How do I learn more about weight loss surgery? ALL PATIENTS seeking surgical weight loss are required to attend one of our seminars. There patients will meet our surgeons, be presented detailed information, including procedure costs and the role of insurance. The seminars are free and there is absolutely no obligation to continue with the process. Register for a Seminar What are the options for weight loss surgery ? There are several options for weight loss surgery. The options offered at Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss are the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band®) and Sleeve Gastrectomy. How do I know if I am a candidate ? You may call our office for more information and speak to someone who will ask a few questions to determine if you might qualify. If you are morbidly obese, and have health issues related to your weight, you may be a candidate. You may not be sure of this until you come in to the office for an initial evaluation. Am I morbidly obese ? If your BMI (Body mass index) is greater than 40, or between 35 & 40 and you have significant health problems related to your weight, you may be considered a candidate for weight loss surgery. How do I calculate my BMI? You may use this BMI Calculator. How do I make an appointment ? Call the office at 816-932-5378 for an appointment. What can I expect at my first appointment? You will first see the bariatric coordinator for an evaluation and then you will see Dr. Price. He will answer questions for you and perform a brief history and physical. What do I need to bring to my fist appointment ? You will need to bring your insurance card and ID.  If you can get any supportive documentation from your Primary Care Physician, that would be helpful.  Once approved, how long before surgery is scheduled ? Usually it will be just a few weeks. Waiting for the insurance approval is likely to be the longest part of the process. How much weight should I expect to lose and how fast? It varies. Everyone is different and will lose at a different pace. You can expect a greater weight loss at the beginning with gastric bypass and a slower weight loss with Lap-Band. Most gastric bypass patients lose their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months. With Lap-Band, it is usually 2-3 years before you reach your goal weight.