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"The front office is always so friendly, they really seem to know how I feel while going through my surgery."
Susan - After breast biopsy
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FAQS: [ Bariatric Home ]
Patient Information
Disclaimer
As with any surgery, there are specific risks and possible complications associated with the bariatric
surgery. Your insurance may not cover this visit, please check with your company directly. We’ll work
with you to determine if you are a candidate for the bariatric surgery.
What do I need to bring with me to my first consultation visit?
After you make your appointment we will give you several Medical History and Insurance forms for
you to complete prior to your visit. It is recommended that you prepare and bring with you, a
document or packet listing all your weight-loss attempts and results. This will assist in
determining if you qualify for surgery.
How long does the work-up process take?
It is difficult to say how long this will take due to a variety of factors, but as the work-up process
begins, we can provide you with a reasonable time frame of when your surgery can be scheduled after consultation.
Is there an age requirement for surgery?
We treat patients ranging from 18 to 65 years old.
Why is a psychological evaluation part of the work-up process?
A pre-surgical psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist is
required by Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, as well as some insurance companies. The primary
goal of the psychological consultation is to identify and address personality and psychological
factors that may jeopardize successful weight loss and affect the maintenance of your goal weight.
Your insurance may not cover this visit, please check with your company.
Is a visit or consultation with a nutritionist part of the process?
A pre-surgical visit with an approved nutritionist is required by Evergreen Hospital Medical Center,
as well as some insurance companies. Postoperative classes will educate you about food prep, proper
quantities, hydration, how to get enough protein, behavior modification, dining out, supplements, and
will provide helpful recipes. Your insurance may not cover this visit, please check with your
company.
Where are the procedures performed?
Our procedures are performed at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington.
How long will I be in the hospital?
An “open” procedure hospital stay is usually 2-3 days.
A “laparoscopic” ROUX en Y or gastric bypass procedure, the hospital stay is usually 1-2 days.
A “laparoscopic” banding procedure, the hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours.
How long is the recovery?
For “open” procedures - six weeks of no strenuous activities and generally returning to work in 2-3 weeks.
For “laparoscopic” procedures – 2-3 weeks of no strenuous activities and generally returning to work 1-2 weeks.
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How can I find out more about Bariatric Surgery?
We encourage all of our patients to attend a free educational seminar.
Seminars are scheduled the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Evergreen
Hospital Medical Center. To register for this free seminar, please call the
Evergreen Bariatric
Center for Weight Loss Surgery at 425.899.2969 or 1.877.601.2271.
Do I have to attend support groups?
We encourage all of our patients to attend support group meetings. These can be very informative and
helpful during your weight loss and once you've reached your goal.
Why do some patients experience depression after surgery?
Mostly due to unrealistic expectations of the outcome of the operation. The support group meetings
help patients through these difficult times. Occasionally, patients will need psychiatric
consultations.
Will I experience relationship changes after I have surgery?
In our experience, it is not unusual to experience relationship changes with family, friends, co-workers
and other acquaintances after surgery. Although there will be many improvements in your life, you may also
experience some relationship challenges. Occasionally, some patients seek and benefit from
counseling.
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Can I obtain follow-up care from Evergreen Surgical Clinic if I had surgery with another surgeon?
We are happy to provide follow-up care for patients that have had surgery performed elsewhere in the United States.
This includes band adjustments. Please contact our office for an appointment. If you have had the surgery completed
out of the country you will need to seek another local provider.
Do out-of-state patients need to come back for check-ups in the office?
It would be ideal to come back for a check-up at least once a year, but it is not absolutely
necessary. We would like for our out-of-state patients to call in once a month for follow-up.
We require all patients to have a primary doctor with whom your care will be
coordinated.
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Will my insurance cover this?
Every policy is different. After attending your initial consultation and learning about the risks and
benefits of the available procedures, please verify your specific policy to determine coverage. Please
also be aware that, even if your Insurance Policy gives you coverage for this elective procedure, there
might be substantial co-pays/deductibles which will be your financial responsibility. See submission
requirements and insurance verification section on the bariatric
homepage.
How can payments for this service be made?
Payments usually need to be made before the initial consultation and surgery. Cash, Debit-Card, Money
Order, or Credit Card payments are accepted. See affordability section.
How much is my initial consultation?
Your initial consultation is $415.00 but we discount this to a $250.00 deposit on the day of your visit.
We’ll be happy to bill your insurance, and if your plan pays, we can either apply this credit to a future
balance or issue a refund. If this deposit is not paid the usual charge of $415.00 applies.
How much is my surgery?
The cost of the surgery is $9,600.00 for the surgeon’s fee, but we discount this to $8,000.00 if paid prior
to day of surgery. This must be paid in advance if benefits and eligibility can not be verified prior to your
surgery. This payment includes all regular office physician services such as post-op checks, band
adjustments, etc. for 36 months from the date of your surgery.
Please note: the hospital and anesthesia services will bill you separately. Please contact the
Evergreen Healthcare Bariatric Center for Weight Loss.
What do you do in the event of a denial?
You can appeal, pay privately, or change insurance plans if possible. See appeals section.
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How does the lap-banding procedure work?
Please go to lap-band.com and watch a short video.
Can you drink alcohol after surgery?
Alcohol consumption is not advisable following obesity surgery. Although research in this area is limited, you may
become sensitive to even small amounts of alcohol, potentially due to the surgery. Many alcoholic beverages contain
sugar and can contribute to regaining weight and may cause dumping syndrome. The long-term effects of alcohol
consumption on the liver, as it relates to this surgery, are not known.
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