FAQs
Questions
Answers
Do you do gastric banding?
Gastric banding has been done in great numbers in Europe, Latin
America and Australia. It is being done more in this country
over the past two years. It has the advantage of being easy to
perform so a number of surgeons are starting to do it. The weight
loss results, however, in large series of patients has only been
about half to two-thirds as good as with gastric bypass.
I am also seriously troubled by the concept of a "plastic" foreign
body remaining in our patients over many years. Therefore, we
do not offer this procedure, and agree with most of the best
experts in the country that it is a suboptimal procedure for
most patients. BYPASS vs LAP-BAND DEBATE
I know someone who regained their weight after
surgery. Will I do so?
In the early days of weight loss surgery a significant number
of "gastric
stapling" patients regained their weight from a breakdown
of the staple line. This operation is no longer done at good weight
loss surgery centers because of its failure rate. Five and ten
year follow-up studies show that weight loss is maintained long
term in patients who are successful with initial weight loss utilizing
currently-performed, quality operations.
Is the operation reversible?
Both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and duodenal switch is technically
reversible. From a practical standpoint it simply is not a serious
consideration for nearly anyone. There is no foreign body placed
in the abdomen that will require removal, and no changes are
made that generally require reversal with the inevitable, rapid
regain of one’s weight.
Does insurance cover weight loss
surgery?
Yes. Many insurance companies do cover weight loss surgery. Check
your company’s policy or contact your company directly to
inquire if there is a direct benefit or exclusion.
Are there ways
other than insurance for covering weight loss surgery?
Many people self-pay. The total cost including doctors and hospital
fees is less than most places in the country. We would be happy
to visit with you about this option.
Does Dr. Oakley provide a
support group that I can attend?
Yes. Dr. Oakley provides a monthly support group that is open
to the community, please click here for times and days of up-coming
meetings. Anyone is welcome
to attend any meeting. |
