Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

You will qualify for weight loss surgery if you have been unsuccessful at losing weight through diet and exercise and:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher without serious health problems (comorbidities). For example, an adult who is 5’11” tall and weighs 290 lbs. has a BMI over 40.

• Have a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one serious health problems, such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or joint pain.

• Have a BMI of 30 or more and are unable to sustain a healthy weight following previous weight loss efforts.

Generally speaking, patients with a BMI of 35 or higher are good candidates for weight loss surgery.

What types of weight loss surgery are offered at Regional West?

We offer laparoscopic banding (lap band), gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery, and loop duodenal switch surgery. We also offer conversions and complex revisions.

How do I choose a procedure?

We encourage you to explore all of the weight loss options available to you. Ultimately this will be a choice made in consultation with your physician or provider. We will help you to determine what is best for your health and long-term success.

Is weight loss surgery covered by insurance?

Most national insurance companies and Medicaid provide coverage for weight loss surgery, but they have many requirements that you must meet to qualify for the procedure. If you are interested in pursuing weight loss surgery, we will be happy to verify insurance coverage available for you. For more information, call Regional West Physicians Clinic-Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics at 308-632-2872 and ask to speak to the bariatric insurance specialist.

How long does the surgery take?

In general, the lap banding procedure takes around 45 minutes. Gastric bypass surgery generally takes around 90 minutes. Each case varies and your surgeon will take his or her time to increase the likeliness of long-term success.

How long will I be in the hospital?

That depends on you and your recovery. In general, lap band patients spend one night in the hospital and bypass and gastrectomy patients stay three to five days.

How long will it take me to feel like myself after the surgery?

Again, it will depend on you; each person's recovery time is different. However, most patients feel almost normal in about two weeks. You may even be able to return to light duty jobs in several days and more labor-intensive occupations in two to three weeks. You won't be able to lift anything weighing more than 20 pounds for two to three weeks.

Is there someone with whom I can discuss weight loss surgery?

We invite you to call Regional West Physicians Clinic-Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics at 308-632-2872.