There is a lot to consider when deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you. Here are some frequently asked questions to get you started.

Will insurance cover my surgery?
Most types of insurance cover weight loss surgery, but some plans have exclusions. Contact your insurance company for details. 

Does insurance cover my supervised diet visits?
Most types of insurance cover supervised diets visits under the direction of a doctor, but some plans have exclusions. Contact your insurance company for details.

How soon will I start losing weight?
You will start losing weight right after surgery. But, don’t be surprised if you weigh a few pounds more when you go home than you did when you entered the hospital. This can be a result of all the fluids you were given in the hospital, and the weight will be lost quickly.

How long does the surgery take?
Sleeve or bypass surgery usually takes two hours.

How long will I be in the hospital?
If you have sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, expect to be in the hospital for one to two nights.

How long does it take to heal from surgery?
If you have sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, you should be able to return to work two to four weeks after surgery, depending on the physical demands of your job.

What are the benefits of wellness coaching?
Making lifestyle changes can sometimes feel overwhelming and unattainable. Wellness coaching simplifies health and wellness into a manageable process by helping you take inventory of your current wellness, create a vision, sets goals and take steps toward lasting success. Wellness coaching empowers you while providing the accountability and support needed to take control over your well-being.

Can I get pregnant and have children after the surgery?
Yes, if you don’t have other fertility problems. Women should wait at least 18 months after the surgery or until their weight is stable to get pregnant.

How will I be able to control what I eat after surgery?
After surgery, eating high-fat, high-sugar foods or eating too much may cause reactions such as vomiting or loose stools. These reactions make it much easier to avoid junk food. Many people say their tastes change after surgery, and they no longer want unhealthy foods. You may notice that foods you used to love won’t appeal to you anymore. Also, you may develop tastes for new and different foods. After surgery, you no longer will be able to depend on food for comfort. For some people, it can be hard to fill the void that used to be filled by food.

How will weight loss surgery affect my family?
Better health can improve your quality of life. It can help you become a better partner, sister, brother, mother or father. In addition to having a longer life, you can be more involved in the lives that mean the most to you. Being healthy and active lets you take part in more family activities and keep up with loved ones.

When I lose weight, what will happen to the extra skin?
This is different for everyone. For some people, the skin will tone up and look fine. In other cases, the skin has stretched too much to return to normal. You may be left with sagging skin around your middle or other parts of your body. Some people choose to live with the excess skin, others have it removed. The procedures most often are considered cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance. If too much skin is causing medical problems (such as rashes or sores), your insurance plan may cover the surgery.