Frequently Asked Questions: Bariatric Surgery

How do I know if I am eligible for weight loss surgery ?

We follow the medical guidelines in order to determine a patient's eligibility for weight loss surgery. Rather than using weight, we use body mass index (BMI) as a criteria for surgery--excess fat in relation to height.

Individuals are candidates for surgery if: They have failed previous attempts at weight loss in a medically supervised program. Their BMI is greater than 40 or between 35 and 40 with major obesity-related medical problems.

Before becoming eligible for surgery, you will meet with our surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and members of our nursing staff for a full evaluation.

Is weight loss surgery right for everyone ?

The short answer is no. Surgery is not a solution for everyone. We only determine whether a patient is right for surgery after a complete evaluation and discussion with you. Because weight loss surgery is a life-altering procedure, we want to make sure our patients are committed to making the lifestyle changes needed for a successful procedure.

What are the risks of weight loss surgery ?

All major surgery comes with risks, and the risks are different for each patient. During your first appointment, your surgeon will explain your individual risk level.

How much weight will I lose ? Will the weight loss be quick ?

The amount of weight you lose--and how fast you lose it--depends on which weight loss surgery you have. Patients who have adjustable class="STYLEONE" gastric banding (Lap-Band®) procedures usually lose weight more slowly the first year than those who have gastric bypass (RYGB) or duodenal switch procedures (DS), but total weight loss is comparable with each procedure. In our program the average patient loses between 68 to 78 percent of his or her excess body weight after RYGB or DS.

Can I become pregnant after weight loss surgery ?

Women should avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months after surgery. Please discuss any pregnancy plans with your surgeon during one of your clinic appointments.

Will my insurance cover the procedure ?

Insurance coverage depends on your insurance plan. For example, some insurance companies require a patient to be in a physician-supervised weight loss program for at least a year before surgery. Before you come in for your first appointment, please call your insurance company to find out if weight loss surgery is covered.

If I am interested in weight loss surgery, what is my first step ?

A Prospective patients should first contact their insurance provider to verify whether bariatric surgery is covered. Next, contact our Clinic.

Benefits include the ability to:

Track weight loss progress, Communicate with our nurses and dietician , Prepare for your surgery by collecting information in one place, Enter your own data that will be reviewed by your care team.

Access your records.

If you have any questions about the registration process, please call us for assistance.

After the registration is complete, we can evaluate you for your initial appointment.

What should I bring to my first appointment with the surgeon ?

When you come to your first appointment, please bring the following information:

Insurance card
Any paperwork needed by your insurance carrier (managed care referral authorization, for example)
Any past medical records
A list of your current medications
A hand written food diary, or create one using HouseCall.
A letter from your primary care doctor acknowledging your interest in surgical weight loss

Where is my first appointment ?

At our Clinic, in Kolkata / Calcutta, India.

What happens during the first appointment ?

Plan to be at your first appointment for about three hours. The program will be presented to you in a group setting. Then, in private, the surgeon or nurse practitioner will perform an extensive history and physical. Depending on scheduling, our dietitian and psychologist may also see you at this appointment.

After the first appointment, how long will it take before I have surgery ?

This depends on your insurance provider and the criteria they require, as well as the tests and requirements our team finds necessary.

How long will I have to stay in the hospital after surgery ?

your hospital stay will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have. Generally, hospital stays are between one and three days.

How long will I be off of work after surgery ?

Again, your time off of work will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have. After surgery, you can return to work in about one-week. The gastric bypass (RYGB) and duodenal switch (DS) procedures average a two- to four-week recuperation.

Will I continue seeing my primary care physician after surgery ?

Yes. Because your medical condition will change following weight loss surgery, it is essential that you are closely monitored by your primary care doctor. We will keep him or her informed on your progress.

What if I have excess skin ?

As you start losing weight, you may notice excess skin. The amount of excess skin you experience is due to your weight loss, age, and smoking habits. Sometimes, patients choose to have plastic surgery to have this skin removed. We have a surgeon who works very closely with our patients regarding plastic surgery.

Will I have to take vitamins ?

Yes, but the number depends on your weight loss procedure. The gastric bypass (RYGB) and duodenal switch (DS) procedures require a lifetime of vitamin supplementation--usually three supplements daily. The Lap-Band® requires a multivitamin everyday.

Should I exercise after weight loss surgery ?

Regular exercise is extremely important for maintaining your weight loss. your bariatric surgery team will help you with the types of exercise you should be doing, and how soon after surgery you should start doing them.