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Diet and Weight Loss

Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Summary & Participants

Preparation for weight loss surgery includes learning about the available types of surgery, selecting a qualified doctor, holding pre-op meetings with the medical team and understanding the recovery process.

Medically Reviewed On: July 14, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: Choosing to have weight loss surgery is a big decision. And the first step in this process is finding the right surgeon. Many patients first turn to their primary care physician for a referral. But some patients find a surgeon through their social network and people who have had surgery are often willing to share their experience.

EMMA PATTERSON, MD: They'll tell their friends and family where they had the surgery. They'll usually highly recommend that person, and so often patients will find a surgeon through another patient.

ANNOUNCER: Another resource is the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), a professional organization that provides education and support programs to patients and health care professionals. The society's website lists surgeons all across the country. Once patients find a weight-loss surgeon, it's important to ask about education and surgical experience.

EMMA PATTERSON, MD: Nobody wants to be the surgeon's first procedure of anything. I think any bariatric surgeon should be a member of the ASBS. I think, at the extreme, a full one- or even two-year fellowship, so extra training after their surgery training in doing this kind of surgery.

ANNOUNCER: Patients should also confirm that the surgeon is affiliated with a hospital where plenty of weight loss surgeries are performed. The doctor's individual record is important too.

EMMA PATTERSON, MD: The patient certainly should ask the surgeon how many they've done, what their results have been in terms of deaths, major complications. You want the rate to be low or similar to the national standards, or the lower the better

ANNOUNCER: A surgeon's support team is also important.

MARC BESSLER, MD: Does he have a team around him of nutritionists, nurses to help out, appropriate support staff, and then the hospital that he's working at, so that you can get not only good surgical care, but good anesthesia care, good heart and lung doctors, good medical doctors of other types, should you need them.

ANNOUNCER: Additionally, patients must consider the financial costs of weight loss surgery.

DANIEL G. DAVIS, DO: The cost of weight-loss surgery depends on the patients' insurance companies. Each state has different providers and each provider has their different criteria.

MARC BESSLER, MD: Fortunately, more and more insurance companies are covering weight loss surgery. The costs associated with this would be prohibitive for many patients. For banding, the cost can range from $15,000 to $25,000. For gastric bypass, that's $25,000 to $35,000.

ANNOUNCER: In addition to the healthcare provider, weight loss surgeons and their office staff can assist patients explore their insurance and financing options.

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