Am I a Candidate?

Knowing if you meet medical guidelines for surgery is an early step in your bariatric surgery decision-making process. The guidelines for bariatric surgery are fairly simple. Surgeons use the guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) when considering treatment options for patients. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines. You will learn more about whether or not surgery is right for you by attending one of the Covenant Weight Management Center bariatric surgery seminars.

NIH Guidelines for Recommending Bariatric Surgery

Patients should have:
-100 pounds or more of excess weight; or a BMI of 40 or greater
-A BMI of 35 or greater with one or more co-morbid conditions

Common Patient Concerns

If you are thinking about bariatric surgery and are having doubts about whether it is right for you, you’re not alone. Wondering if bariatric surgery is right for you is a very common concern. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure, and making that decision requires research, a good amount of reflection, and discussion with your doctor. The physicians and staff at the Covenant Weight Management Center understand your concerns and are always available to talk with you one on one.

We encourage you to take a look at the science. Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for the lifelong condition of morbid obesity. As with any surgery, bariatric surgery may present risks. It’s important to learn about these risks and discuss them with your bariatric surgeon.

Coping with Fear of Surgery and Physical Change

Weight loss surgery reshapes your stomach and changes the digestive process of your body for life. It is major surgery, performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.

For many people, the idea of “rebuilding” their stomach sounds good—a small stomach that can help you control how much you eat sounds like a great tool.

For other people, the idea of surgery and anesthesia can provoke anxiety. The potential for complications also can be a little frightening.

This is perfectly normal. Before letting these fears prevent you from having this surgery, you may want to examine them and learn more about how others have worked through these challenges. Staff at the Covenant Weight Management Center can help by putting you in touch with other patients and support groups.

Fear of Complications

Fear of short- or long-term complications is valid. As with any surgery, complications may occur.

If you are concerned about short- or long-term complications, you can talk about them with your surgeon. Every surgery has risks, and your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery with you.

A Permanent and Lifelong Change to Your Body

For many people who have spent years suffering from morbid obesity, weight loss surgery sounds like a lifesaver. However, it’s important to be prepared for all aspects of the treatment. The surgery permanently changes your body. Your surgeon will reduce your stomach to a very small pouch. The small intestine is then rerouted, so the digestive process allows fewer calories and nutrients to be absorbed by the body. The combination of restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms allows for significant weight loss.

After surgery, the amount of food that you eat is less than what you could eat before. At the same time, a feeling of satisfaction, or satiety, is achieved with these small quantities of food. If you eat a large meal or foods high in fat and/or sugar, you very likely will have a painful bout of dumping syndrome, which is an uncomfortable feeling of nausea, lightheadedness, upset stomach, and diarrhea associated with ingestion of sweets, high-calorie liquids, or dairy products. This physical reaction provides a deterrent to large meals and unhealthy foods.

Because your stomach will be a fraction of its original size and your digestive process will be changed, you will have the opportunity to lose excess weight. Dangerous co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, GERD, and sleep apnea, are often resolved or improved. As you recover, you may find that clothes that fit a week ago or even a few days earlier suddenly are too large. You also may find that a walk in the park no longer leaves you breathless, that you do remember how to ride a bike, and that you can keep up with your kids.

Paying for Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a significant investment from both a personal and financial standpoint. Patients do need to consider their finances carefully and make sure they are prepared to meet their fiduciary responsibilities.

Weight loss surgery may or may not be covered by your health care insurer. You will need to check with your plan’s provider to find out if your surgery is covered and other details.

We participate with many insurance providers and also work with several local companies that provide financing for health care services and out-of-pocket expenses. Insurance and financing options are two important topics that we cover at our monthly weight loss surgery seminars. At that time, updated health care insurance information is also available.

In addition, our specially trained office coordinators work closely with each weight loss patient to assist you through the authorization, financial counseling and services scheduling.