Frequently Asked Questions at Our Weight Loss Surgery Practice in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
We have compiled the list below to give you quick answers to some of the questions that our patients commonly have. For more detailed information on gastric bypass surgery or bariatric surgery with the REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band, or to find out whether you are an appropriate candidate for either procedure, we invite you to explore other areas of our website. At South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center, we are committed to ensuring that patients from Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have the information they need to feel comfortable and confident as they make the decision to undergo bariatric surgery.
- How long does the procedure take?
- How quickly can I get to surgery?
- Why do I need psychological testing?
- How do I get my pre-operative testing set up?
- Must I attend a support group if I live out of town?
- Who do I contact if I get sick while in medical workup?
- Why do I have to lose weight prior to surgery?
- If I already have an adjustable gastric band, will
South MS Surgical Weight Loss Center make adjustments? - How long will it take to recover from bariatric surgery?
How long does the procedure take?
Bariatric surgery with the LAP-BAND® System or the REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band usually takes less than an hour and gastric bypass surgery is usually performed in one and a half to two hours.
How quickly can I get to surgery?
You can undergo your procedure within two to three weeks of your insurance company acknowledging coverage or within ten days to two weeks of your initial consult if you are self-paying.
Why do I need psychological testing?
Some insurance companies require psychological testing; moreover, it is also a standard of care set by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. We want to ensure that patients will be able to adjust to the lifestyle changes necessary after weight loss surgery. If test results show that a patient is not likely to be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, we would not proceed with treatment. Weight loss surgery should not be performed on patients who have a higher risk of jeopardizing their health or success after surgery by not following exercise and diet guidelines.
Please contact our weight loss practice in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, for further information, or visit our Life after Surgery page to learn about post-bariatric nutrition and exercise.
How do I get my pre-operative testing set up?
Your program coordinator will either give you a list of tests or set those tests up for you.
Must I attend a support group if I live out of town?
No, but it would be to your advantage to find one near you or contact our support group leader for an online group. We strongly recommend it.
Who do I contact if I get sick while in medical workup?
Contact your physician as you normally would.
Why do I have to lose weight prior to surgery?
The first few pounds come right off the liver, which enables the surgeon to manipulate the surgical instruments more easily and quickly, which in turn keeps the patient under anesthesia for a shorter amount of time.
If I already have an adjustable gastric band, will South MS Surgical Weight Loss Center make adjustments?
Yes, South MS Surgical Weight Loss Center will allow patients to join the South MS Surgical Weight Loss Center bariatric program for a fee of $1500.00.
This fee includes:
- Initial consultative visit at no charge
- Educational manual
- Online Educational Module (by prescription only)
- One Year of lap band adjustments
- Access to your chart online
After the first year, should you require an adjustment, the cost is $250.00 per visit. You are required to attend an info session prior to joining the South MS Surgical Weight Loss Center program.
How long will it take to recover from bariatric surgery?
From Roux-En-Y Bypass it takes 1 to 3 weeks and from the adjustable gastric band it takes 4 days to one week.
Contact Our Weight Loss Practice in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person at an info session and address any questions you have about weight loss surgery. Contact our practice in Ocean Springs, Mississippi today.
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Please contact our weight loss surgery practice in Ocean Springs, Mississippi for more information on any questions that you have.