F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) Many people have questions about weight loss surgery. Here's a list of our top FAQs, organized by type of question. If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to browse the rest of our site, or use our Contact Us link to send us an email. General How do I know if surgery is right for me or if I qualify? How do I calculate my body mass index (BMI)? What things might disqualify me for surgery? Am I too young or too old for weight loss surgery? How do I get more information about surgery? How can I get an appointment to see a surgeon? What will happen at my consultation with the surgeon? How long does the entire process take until I have surgery? What information will I need to send in? Is weight loss surgery reversible? For what reasons? If I have seen some other surgeon, do I still have to go through this process? Do you have a followup program? What are these surgeon's long-term results? Why should I attend a support group? At which hospital do the surgeons operate? What does weight loss surgery cost? Do you accept credit cards? Should I call the office frequently to see if my information has been received? Preoperative Questions When should I see my doctor for a preop history and physical? What tests do I need before surgery -- and when? What is a sleep study, and why do I have to have one? How will my eating change after surgery? See "Nutrition" below, also. How much weight will I lose with surgery? Why do I have to have a mental health evaluation (see psychologist)? Why would my surgeon ask me to lose weight before surgery? Why would my surgeon ask me to stop smoking before surgery? Operation Questions What kinds of operations does this group offer? How is the decision made about what kind of operation to have? Do these surgeons perform laparoscopic (small incisions) surgery? Should I have my gallbladder removed? Can I have my fallopian tubes tied to prevent pregnancy at the same time? I've had previous surgeries on my abdomen. Can I have laparoscopic surgery? I've had my gallbladder removed. Can I still have surgery? I have a history of Crohn's disease. Can I still have surgery? I have a history of ulcers. Can I still have surgery? I have irritable bowel syndrome. Can I still have surgery? I have ulcerative colitis. Can I still have surgery? At what hospital is surgery done? How long do weight loss operations take? When can my family see me? Will I need to go to the intensive care unit? How long will I be in the hospital? Could I die from a weight loss operation? Postoperative Questions What activity restrictions will I have and when can I go back to work? When can I resume sex? How will my eating change after surgery? What will I need to do to care for my wounds? How do I manage my medications after my operation? I have other medical problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Will they go away? I have sleep apnea. Will I have to use CPAP after surgery? Will I need help at home after surgery? If I'm not hungry, do I still have to eat? How much fluid should I drink every day? What kinds are best? Will I have to be on a "diet" forever? Is there a support group I can go to? When will I come back to the office? Insurance Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery? What information will my insurance need to authorize surgery if I have coverage? How can I check on the status of my insurance approval? Will I have to pay a deductible? My insurance runs out soon. What can I do? I don't have insurance. Can I still have surgery? What insurances do you accept? Do you accept Medicare? Nutrition When can I eat after surgery? What will I eat? When will I eat "regular food"? How will my eating change after surgery? Are there foods that I will not be able to eat -- ever? What general nutritional guidelines are there? How many meals I day should I eat? I'm a diabetic -- should I eat frequently? What eating habits can sabotage my weight loss? How much protein should I eat? Will I see a dietitian after surgery? Vitamins Do I have to take vitamins? Why? What can happen if I don't take vitamins? Should I take more than what is recommended? Why would my doctor recommend injected vitamins rather than pills?