Bariatric Surgery FAQs

Our practice is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of primary weight loss surgeries to meet the diverse needs of our patients. This includes the popular gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures, along with SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) and the adjustable Lap Band surgery. Understanding that each patient's journey is unique, we also specialize in revision surgeries, providing options to revise previous procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or Lap Band to other bariatric surgeries that might be better suited to the patient's evolving needs.

In addition to these surgical interventions, we are at the forefront of incorporating endoscopic techniques into our practice. These less invasive options include the gastric balloon, which is a temporary and reversible procedure, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a sophisticated endoscopic weight loss procedure that reduces the stomach volume without external incisions. These advanced endoscopic procedures are designed to offer effective weight loss solutions with shorter recovery times and are an excellent option for patients seeking minimally invasive alternatives.

Eligibility for weight loss surgery in our practice hinges on a few key factors:

• BMI (Body Mass Index) Requirements:
  Candidates with a BMI of 35 and associated health issues like diabetes or a BMI of 40 without such conditions were traditionally eligible. The new 2023 guidelines suggest a BMI of 30 may suffice if serious obesity-related health problems are evident, though adoption of this threshold varies.
• Age Considerations:
  There's no absolute age cutoff, but risks and benefits are carefully weighed, with the ASMBS suggesting an upper limit of 65 years. Minors under 18 should be enrolled in a dedicated adolescent program.
• Medical Assessment:
  A thorough medical review is essential. Obesity-related conditions can bolster candidacy, while past surgeries, mental health issues, chronic diseases, or certain medications might complicate eligibility. Safe surgery and recovery prospects are paramount in evaluation.
• Weight Loss History:
  Proof of previous weight loss attempts through diet, exercise, or medical programs is required to ensure surgery is an appropriate option after other methods haven’t achieved lasting results.

Our practice proudly accepts a diverse range of insurance plans to ensure that you receive the care you need. This includes popular providers such as:

• Aetna (HMO, POS, PPO)
• Blue Care Network
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Advantage PPO, PPO, HMO)
• Cigna (HMO, POS, PPO)
• Coventry Health Plan (PPO)
• Humana (PPO, HMO)
• United Healthcare (Choice, HMO)
• TriCare (US Military Insurance)
• Medicare

For other insurance plans not listed here, we offer personalized case investigations to ascertain coverage and ensure that you can access our services with the support of your insurance provider.

Yes, our practice provides self-pay options for patients who may not have insurance coverage or choose not to use insurance. Specifically, the gastric balloon procedure is exclusively a self-pay option, as it is not covered by medical insurance in the United States. The comprehensive cost for the gastric balloon, which includes the endoscopic insertion, 6 months of follow-up care, and the removal of the balloon, is $8,000 USD.

Additionally, we offer self-pay arrangements for other bariatric procedures. The gastric sleeve is available for a cash payment of $14,000 USD, and the gastric bypass can be self-funded for $23,000 USD.

For those seeking financial assistance, we have established a partnership with a third-party provider, MDsave, which may offer financing options based on their internal criteria. This can be a valuable resource for patients needing a payment plan to manage the cost of surgery.

Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, including navigating the complexities of insurance coverage. As part of your enrollment in our program, we offer complimentary insurance verification services to determine whether your current insurance policy covers bariatric surgery. We meticulously review your benefits to ensure you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

Additionally, we encourage prospective patients to take an active role in this process. By clicking here, you can access our intuitive form designed to guide you through the necessary steps to inquire about your insurance coverage. This proactive approach empowers you with knowledge and facilitates a smoother journey through your weight loss surgery process.

Our bariatric procedures are conducted at the University of Chicago AdventHealth Bolingbrook Hospital, which has been recognized as a Center of Excellence and Distinction for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. At this facility, we are supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are committed to providing exceptional care throughout your weight loss journey.

We take great pride in utilizing the latest surgical technologies, including advanced robotics, laparoscopic, and endoscopic techniques, ensuring that our patients receive the most modern and minimally invasive surgical options available. Additionally, our collaboration with other medical specialties at AdventHealth Bolingbrook ensures that our patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to their care, from pre-operative preparation to post-surgery recovery and beyond. Our dedicated team and state-of-the-art facilities come together to create an environment focused on safety, quality, and successful patient outcomes.

The timeline for completing the preparatory program before surgery can vary significantly as each patient’s case is unique. Historically, the duration can span from few weeks to a couple of months, contingent upon the complexity of the candidate’s health status and individual needs.

It’s imperative to recognize that the pre-surgery phase is not just a procedural formality but a crucial period for ensuring the safest and most effective surgical outcome. During this time, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation which includes preoperative testing, nutritional counseling, psychological assessment, and sometimes, medically supervised weight loss.

We encourage and guide every patient to schedule and complete their preoperative testing promptly. The efficiency with which these prerequisites are met can influence the speed of progression to surgery. Our team is dedicated to assisting patients through this process as swiftly and safely as possible, all while ensuring that they are fully prepared for the life-changing journey ahead.

Bariatric surgery, like any major operation, carries potential risks, but it is generally considered safe, especially when performed by experienced surgeons at accredited centers. The risks are often weighed against the significant health risks associated with severe obesity.

Short-term risks can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and leaks from the staple line. Long-term risks might involve nutritional deficiencies (requiring lifelong vitamin/mineral supplementation), gallstones, hernias, ulcers, or bowel obstruction.

However, the overall mortality rate for bariatric surgery is very low (around 0.1%), comparable to procedures like gallbladder removal or hip replacement. Many studies show that the long-term benefits, including resolution or improvement of obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and increased lifespan, generally outweigh the surgical risks for eligible candidates.

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses can undergo bariatric surgery. Our program respects the religious beliefs of all patients, including the refusal of blood transfusions.

We have extensive experience in performing "bloodless" surgery techniques, which minimize blood loss during the operation. This involves meticulous surgical technique, specialized equipment (like harmonic scalpels), and potentially using medications pre-operatively to boost red blood cell counts. We work closely with patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses to develop a surgical plan that aligns with their beliefs while ensuring their safety.

It is crucial to discuss these specific needs and concerns during the initial consultation so that appropriate planning and precautions can be taken.

While bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions may preclude a person from undergoing these procedures. These are known as contraindications.

Absolute contraindications often include conditions like severe heart failure, unstable coronary artery disease, end-stage lung disease, active cancer (unless obesity is hindering treatment), portal hypertension, active substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), and certain severe, untreated psychiatric disorders (like active psychosis or severe depression).

Relative contraindications might include conditions that increase surgical risk or could complicate recovery, such as inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's disease), potential for non-compliance with post-operative lifestyle changes, or certain medical conditions that need stabilization before surgery. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine if surgery is a safe and appropriate option.

Enrolling in our weight loss program is a straightforward process designed to guide you towards achieving your health goals. Here’s how to get started:

1. Initial Inquiry: Begin by contacting our office or filling out the online form to express your interest.
2. Information Session: Attend one of our free informational seminars (either online or in-person) to learn more about the procedures, the program requirements, and meet our team.
3. Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons to discuss your medical history, weight loss goals, and determine if you are a candidate for surgery.
4. Insurance Verification: Our team will help verify your insurance benefits or discuss self-pay options.
5. Pre-operative Evaluation: Complete the necessary medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluations required by our program and your insurance provider.
6. Surgery Scheduling: Once all requirements are met and approvals are obtained, your surgery will be scheduled.
7. Post-operative Support: After surgery, you will receive ongoing support through follow-up appointments, support groups, and nutritional guidance.

We are here to support you throughout this entire journey.