10 Questions to Ask When Considering Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a life-altering decision you should not enter into lightly. Take plenty of time to consider this important decision. As you do so, you will want to meet with surgeons and select the one who best suits your needs.

Bedside manner, availability, and expertise are all necessary qualities for your surgeon, but also consider asking the following questions. Being specific will ease your concerns and educate you about weight loss surgery.

How much experience do you have as a bariatric surgeon?

Look for surgeons with experience; however, don’t discount a young surgeon who was trained in a quality fellowship program for bariatric surgery.

What type of surgery do you perform or recommend?

Expect the surgeon to discuss your health and needs with you before making a final recommendation for they type of procedure you should have. Ask which procedures this surgeon performs and why he or she believes in the success rate of his chosen specialty.

Dr. Fass recommends gastric sleeve surgery because of its low post-operative complication rate and excellent success for overall weight loss.

What is your leak rate?

Staple line leaks are the most common post-operative complication. Look for a surgeon with a leak rate lower than the national average.

Dr. Fass prefers to invert the sleeve in his patients in order to reduce this risk. His post-surgical leak rate is less than 1%.

What makes me a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery might be right for you if you have any of the following markers:

• Morbidly obese (BMI greater than 35/40)
• Health concerns related to weight
• Overweight for 5+ years
• Unsuccessful using other methods

Read our complete profile on when weight loss surgery is right for you.

Do you provide 24/7 365 care?

Resources should be available to you anytime. After all, simply because it’s a holiday or a weekend, doesn’t mean you won’t have needs, questions, or concerns.

What resources do you provide in-office?

A quality surgeon’s office will connect you with a dietitian, counselor, and support groups. All will be vital to helping you recover from surgery and maintain your weight loss.

Do you see your own patients post-op?

Often surgeons in large practices do not see their patients after surgery. If this is important to you, be sure to know which doctor will provide your follow-up care.

“I always see my patients with every visit! That is a key point. It’s different from others. I check their weight and labs. I talk to them about exercise. If a patient calls and wants to speak with me, I personally call them back, not just a nurse.” Dr. Steven Fass

How can I prepare myself for bariatric surgery?

Two weeks prior to surgery, you will need to begin a liquid diet with restricted calories. This will prepare your body for the days following surgery and your smaller stomach. It is important to restrict and eventually eliminate alcohol and carbonated beverages since these will aggravate your system. Beginning a regiment of multi-vitamins is also necessary to meet all your nutritional needs.

Ask your surgeon what resources are available through his office as you begin this process of preparing for surgery.

How much does surgery cost and will my insurance cover this procedure?

The average cost of gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery can range between $14,000-$30,000. Most insurances will cover the procedure if it is medically necessary due to other health complications caused by excess weight. Don’t let price rule your decision. A quality surgeon will have office staff available to assist you in navigating insurance concerns and a payment plan.

Why should I choose you to be my surgeon?

Remember, you are the customer and deserve quality care and attention. Asking this question will give you insight into this surgeon and his true motivation, which should always be the success of his patients.