Frequently Asked Questions
Why consider weight loss surgery?
Obesity increases your risk of potentially life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases make normal daily activities difficult, are expensive to treat and significantly decrease life expectancy.
Weight loss surgery is the most effective method for helping people who have been unsuccessful at losing weight using diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery enables patients to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss over the long term.
Is bariatric surgery the right choice for you?
Undergoing weight loss surgery is a major decision that will permanently alter your life. To be successful, you must be prepared to make permanent changes to many of your present behaviors. People who make these lifestyle changes achieve significant weight loss and experience better health, greater mobility and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
How much weight can you expect to lose?
Your final weight loss depends on multiple factors including your starting weight, the current state of your health and your ability to adhere to lifestyle changes. The more effort you put in, the more successful you will be at achieving and maintaining optimal weight loss.
Which surgery is better for me?
This is a common question. Each surgical approach has different weight loss profiles and the amount of data available on long term weight loss varies. Many factors go into making a decision about which surgery is best suited for you. Your preferences and goals for weight and restoration of health are important factors in helping you make the correct decision. During your initial consultation, we would be happy to discuss all surgery options with you in more detail and recommend the best option for your individual health needs.
Procedures offered include gastric bypass, traditional duodenal switch, modified duodenal switch, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
If my health insurance doesn't cover it will my payment for surgery be
tax-deductible?
Yes. If your health insurance does not cover your payment for surgery they are tax deductible since these operations are deemed medically necessary. In the year you finance or pay cash for your weight loss surgery, you may be eligible to receive thousands of dollars back in potential tax savings. IRS Publication 502 states you can deduct your medical expenses when they total more than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Please consult your tax advisor to learn more about this before making any financial decisions.
Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.
For more information, contact Tysha Williams, Bariatrics Director, at TWilliams@nw-health.com or (479) 757-2040.