FAQs

Yes, support is a very important step in the preparation and healing of bariatric surgery patients. At My New Beginning, we emphasize education and support with on-site behavior and dietitian specialists, as well as with a monthly support group that allows patients to share feelings and experiences with others who know what they are going through. Learn more about the support groups we offer.

Price is determined by insurance coverage, which will vary among insurance carriers. Cash rate prices are also available. Please contact us and we can review your coverage and available options to determine your cost. Contact our insurance patient advocate for more information.

No. Bariatric surgery patients do not experience intolerance for any type of food after surgery. They are able to eat the same foods as they did before. However, it’s important to note that good, healthy food choices need to be made after surgery to maintain your new body. Portion control and only eating when you’re hungry are also necessary steps to a new lifestyle.

Because bariatric surgery is used to help patients lose weight and keep the weight off, patients will need to make a commitment to caring for their new bodies after surgery. Substantial changes to eating habits and lifestyle are necessary to see the best results possible. It’s important that each patient continues working with the specialist in charge of their care to build and maintain these healthy changes.

In addition to an improved lifestyle, bariatric surgery is used to improve a patient’s health conditions caused by being obese. It may help with such issues as: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery may help lessen joint disease, asthma and infertility. Patients may also see positive changes in energy and enthusiasm after surgery. Find our more about the benefits of weight loss surgery.

As with all surgeries, there are risks to having bariatric surgery. These risks include, but are not limited to, the usual risks of any surgery that involves general anesthesia, including problems with the following:

• Breathing and pneumonia
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Hernias at the site of the incision
• Infection
• Death

The risks specific to gastric bypass surgery include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leaking or rupture along the stapled area of the stomach
• Gallstones
• Nausea and vomiting, especially if you overeat
• Dumping syndrome (a condition in which you eat too much sugar or fat, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shakiness, dizziness and sweating)
• Nutritional deficiencies (such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and folic acid)
• Blocked intestine (bowel obstruction)
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Excess skin after weight loss

Although you may not be able to avoid all complications, risks after surgery may be minimized by following these guidelines:

• Closely follow recommended meal sizes
• Take small bites
• Chew slowly and thoroughly
• Take 20 to 30 minutes to eat each meal
• Follow recommended amounts of fat and sugar for each meal

A dietitian within our program will educate you on how to maintain the most nutritious diet possible, offer advice on nutritional supplements and provide information on taking fiber to avoid constipation.

To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must meet certain criteria. You should:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be either morbidly obese (100 pounds or more overweight, with a BMI of 40 or more), or be obese with associated complications (a BMI of 35 or more, with a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease)
• Have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through a structured, medical weight loss program that included diet, exercise and lifestyle changes
• Be experiencing personal or occupational problems due to obesity
• Undergo a psychological evaluation and counseling to determine that you are emotionally healthy enough to understand the consequences of your decision
• Be willing and able to commit to long-term, follow-up care, as well as the rigorous, lifelong changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits that will be necessary to meet and maintain your weight loss and health goals after surgery

Calculate your BMI to see if you are eligible!