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Frequently Asked Questions
At DFW Bariatric Institute, we are committed to performing weight loss procedures that enable our patients to experience healthier, longer lives. We are also dedicated to educating our patients so that they have the information they need to proceed with bariatric surgery and make the lifestyle changes that are required after treatment.
The list below includes general answers to the questions and concerns that we hear most regularly. For further information, please contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery practice to schedule your appointment.
Does bariatric surgery work?
Most patients at our practice have heard that these operations work. However, because they have failed numerous diet attempts they are concerned that bariatric surgery will fail as well.
The basis of all bariatric operations is to put a mechanism into place that is a constant reminder that eating behaviors have to change. Whether it is immediately after surgery or 10 years after treatment, these operations limit the amount of food a patient can eat and also remind the patient that wise dietary choices should be made.
Laparoscopic weight loss surgery, healthy eating habits, and moderate exercise have led to a successful formula for thousands of patients at our practice. We invite you to read success stories that some of our patients have shared of their results after bariatric surgery.
Not all of the operations work the same, some may yield different results. Have a private consultation with one of our experienced weight loss surgeons and their staff of dietitians and patient advocates. They will help you find a successful operation designed to fit your personal needs and lifestyle.
Are there risks to bariatric surgery?
All surgical procedures, whether bariatric or otherwise, have some level of risk. Each laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedure that we offer has different benefits and risks that are associated with it. Our doctors and staff will make sure that you are fully informed of these benefits and risks. The surgeons at DFW Bariatric Institute are extensively trained and experienced and are committed to minimizing risks to ensure the safest and most effective procedure possible.
The dangers of living with the chronic disease of obesity hold greater risk than surgery. Morbid obesity will shorten one’s life as well as diminish the quality of one’s life. It is calculated that a morbidly obese patient will lose 10 to 20 years of his or her life. It is believed now that up to 20% of all cancers can be caused by obesity. It is the second leading cause of preventable death, just behind tobacco use.
What are the routine tests before surgery?
Patients may need to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to undergoing bariatric surgery with the gastric sleeve resection, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, or LAP-BAND® System. In addition, we require a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, PT, PTT (to check your blood clotting time), urinalysis to include urine nicotine, along with type- and cross-matching your blood. We will perform a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
In addition to the routine lab work and tests, you may need additional studies such as a sleep study, EGD, echocardiogram, or stress test for cardiac clearance.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
It depends on your employer and the plan you have chosen. The plan your employer chooses will dictate if this procedure is a covered benefit when medically necessary or if this procedure is excluded on your particular policy.
Simply complete and submit a contact us form on this site and our team will check your bariatric coverage. Within 48 business hours, we will respond to the email or telephone number you provided to explain the specifics of the coverage you policy provides. We can also schedule your initial consultation with one of our surgeons during this process. You also have the option of calling the customer service number on your card and ask them if gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery or adjustable gastric banding is a covered benefit if medically necessary. The diagnosis code is E66.01. The laparoscopic Gastric bypass procedure code is 43644, the gastric sleeve code is 43775 and the adjustable gastric banding procedure code is 43770.
We know that many patients are worried about paying for their treatment and that these financial concerns can add stress to their lives as they plan for weight loss surgery. We are committed to providing convenient and affordable financing options and we will also work to help you obtain approval from your insurance company. Our insurance experts have enabled many of our patients to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to. Contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery center for more information about financing.
Can I start the insurance process before I schedule my appointment at the DFW Bariatric Institute?
Yes, you can complete the contact us form so that we can verify your benefits prior to scheduling your appointment. When you leave your initial consultation, our insurance specialists will have outlined the exact steps needed to meet your insurance company’s requirements.
How do I start living my life again?
We look forward to meeting you and helping you start on the path to a new life. We offer consultations at our Dallas location. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.
Patient Testimonials
Janet S.
Lost 93 pounds*
"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."
Vivian P.
Lost 140 pounds*
“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”
Sherrie M.
Lost 110 pounds*
“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”
John E.
Lost 90 pounds*
“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”
Kathy D.
Lost 161 pounds*
“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”
Brian S.
Lost 130 pounds*
“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”
Lorna Q.
Lost 107 pounds*
"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
Danielle L.
Lost 154 pounds*
“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”
Dennis H.
Lost 170 pounds*
“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."
