Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Q: What is clinically severe obesity? A: Clinically severe obesity (morbid obesity) is when a person has a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2 (or 35 kg/m² with other life-threatening conditions.) Obesity is a serious health issue because it is associated with early death and many other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heartburn, gallstones, arthritis, urinary stress incontinence, fertility problems and cancer. Calculate your Body Mass Index Q: Which surgical treatment does OSU Medical Center prefer and why? A: OSU Medical Center prefers the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass because it results in greater, more reliable weight loss. When surgery is combined with our Comprehensive Weight Management Program, patients’ expectations are met more often compared to other approaches. Q: How much weight can one expect to lose after surgery? A: Most patients lose between 60 and 85 percent of their excess body weight over a period of 1-1/2 years with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Q: How much weight can one expect to regain after surgery? A: Long-term results after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass show that patients typically regain less than 15 percent of their weight after five to 10 years. Q: How long does the operation and recovery take? A: If you have the traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, you can expect to spend a few days in the hospital and up to six weeks recovering. The minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic) is a shorter recovery of four weeks with fewer restrictions after surgery. Q: What things do I need to do after surgery? A: After surgery, regular and long-term follow-up with a dietitian and your surgeon is needed to monitor weight loss and any complications that may occur, and to provide diet counseling. If you develop any complications or any new major health problems, call your surgeon immediately. Insurance Coverage Q: Will my health insurance cover this surgery? A: Your insurance provider can help determine if your plan offers bariatric surgery as a covered benefit. Contact your insurance provider by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. We offer a self-pay option if your insurance does not cover the surgery. If you have more specific insurance questions, please call our office at (614) 293-2888. Number of Procedures Performed Q: How many procedures are performed each year? A: OSU Bariatric Surgery physicians perform more than 400 procedures each year. Physicians Q: Are the physicians board certified? A: Yes Surgical Procedures Q: Can the surgery be performed using a laparoscopic or minimally invasive technique? A: Yes, our surgeons can perform the surgery using a small incision so that you heal more quickly and enjoy a faster recovery. |
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