If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you likely have many questions. This comprehensive FAQ page aims to provide you with the answers you need to make informed decisions about your health and weight loss journey with Beltre Bariatrics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Surgery
General Questions About Weight Loss Surgery
These frequently asked questions cover the basics of weight loss surgery, including what it is, the different types of procedures, and whether it might be the right option for you.
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, encompasses a variety of procedures performed on obese patients. These procedures aim to help patients lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach or altering the digestive process.
We offer a range of surgical options, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and SADI-S. The best procedure for you will depend on your individual needs and medical history.
Weight loss surgery may be an option if you have a BMI of 30 or higher and have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods. A thorough evaluation with our team is necessary to determine your candidacy.
Weight loss surgery can lead to significant weight loss, improved health conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure), increased energy levels, and improved quality of life. Weight loss surgery gives you three things, portion control, appetite reduction and metabolic boost.
As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Our team will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation.
Questions About Costs and Financing
Understanding the costs associated with weight loss surgery is an important part of the decision-making process. Here are some common questions about pricing and financing options at Beltre Bariatrics.
The cost of weight loss surgery varies depending on the specific procedure. The gastric sleeve costs $10,800, the gastric bypass costs $13,800, and the SADI-S procedure costs $15,800. These prices include surgical fees and a one-year aftercare program.
Our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what’s covered. Beyond the core surgical components (surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, operating room), your investment includes a full year of dedicated support to optimize your success:
- Personalized post-operative care: Monthly follow-up visits with our medical team to closely monitor your progress and address any emerging concerns.
- Expert nutritional guidance: Monthly consultations with a certified nutritionist for one year at only $20 per visit to develop sustainable, healthy eating habits tailored to your individual needs.
- Appetite management support: A free Semaglutide injection for the first year if your weight loss slows and you want to lose weight faster.
- Surgical safeguards: In the rare event that your pouch or stomach stretches causing you to eat more than the surgery allows, we will revise the surgery at no additional cost.
This comprehensive approach reflects our unwavering commitment to your long-term well-being.
Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery varies depending on your specific plan and provider. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to inquire about your coverage.
Yes, Beltre Bariatrics partners with leading financing companies such as Prosper Healthcare Lending, Lending Club, and CareCredit to offer a variety of financing plans with options for different terms and interest rates.
Our prices are for self-pay patients. Payment is typically required before surgery, and our team can help you explore financing options if needed.
Questions About Specific Procedures
Learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery offered at Beltre Bariatrics, including the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and SADI-S.
The gastric sleeve involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner.
The gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine. It reduces the amount of food you can eat and limits the absorption of calories.
SADI-S combines the gastric sleeve with a more robust intestinal bypass. This surgery combines portion control with malabsorption and is suitable for patients who have failed the gastric sleeve or patients with significant obesity.
The best procedure for you will depend on your individual needs, medical history, and weight loss goals. Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate option for you.
Questions About Preparing for Surgery
Proper preparation is essential for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. These FAQs cover what you need to do before your weight loss procedure.
Preparing for surgery involves dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and medical evaluations. Our team will provide you with a comprehensive pre-operative plan.
Yes, you will need to follow a specific pre-operative diet to reduce the size of your liver and prepare your body for surgery.
Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, starting an exercise program, and adjusting your eating habits.
Questions About Recovery After Surgery
Understand what to expect during your recovery period after weight loss surgery, including dietary guidelines, wound care, and potential complications.
The recovery process varies depending on the procedure, but it typically involves a one-night hospital stay followed by one to two weeks of recovery at home. Patients that have their surgery at our surgery center go home the same day and finish recovering in the comfort of their home.
You will start with a clear liquid diet, gradually progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods. Our team will provide you with detailed dietary guidelines.
The amount of weight you lose will vary depending on the procedure and your individual efforts, but most patients can expect to lose a significant amount of weight over time. The average weight loss the first month is 15 to 30 pounds. Thereafter, you will lose 10 to 12 a month until you reach a weight your body feels to be its normal weight.
Yes, you will need to take vitamin supplements for the rest of your life to prevent nutritional deficiencies. We recommend a bariatric multivitamin as these tend to have more iron and B12 compared to non-bariatric ones.
Participating in support group meetings can greatly increase your chances of long-term weight loss success and provide you with a valuable support network.
Getting Started
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free consultation with Beltre Bariatrics to learn more about your weight loss options.