Have a Question?
When deciding if Bariatric Surgery is the choice in obesity treatment, there are many questions that come to one’s mind. Please know that you do not stand alone and your questions are important. Afterall, weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision.
Please see below a list of “Frequently Asked Questions”…....
General FAQs
-
What does my BMI need to be in order for my insurance to cover the Lap Band?
-
What is the cost for Lap Band surgery if I am a cash patient?
-
If I had a Gastric Bypass procedure, am I still a candidate for Lap Band?
-
May I still attend support group even if Dr. Billy did not do my procedure?
-
Will Dr. Billy suggest which procedure is the better procedure for me?
-
Once the Lap Band procedure has been performed, what is its longevity?
General FAQs
-
What does my BMI need to be in order for my insurance to cover the Lap Band?
If your insurance plan covers bariatric surgery, a BMI of 35 along with a comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea will suffice. If you do not have a comorbid condition, a BMI of 40 is the requirement. Check with our Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen, to determine whether you have insurance coverage for bariatric surgery. Heather can be reached by voicemail at 916-491-1717.
-
What is the cost for Lap Band surgery if I am a cash patient?
Our Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen, can help you determine your out-of-pocket cost if you wish to pay cash for your procedure. Please call her before your initial consultation and before you incur any expenses. Heather can be reached by voicemail at 916-491-1717.
-
At your initial consultation you will receive a set of prescriptions for labs, studies, and referrals for medical,cardio-pulmonary, psychological and nutritional clearance. Once you have completed all of your appointments and have been medically cleared, then we can request authorization from your insurance company to have surgery. Most of these appointments can be done in our office. To minimize the amount of time it takes to complete the preoperative workup, we recommend that patients schedule all of their appointments before they leave the office. A motivated patient can complete their workup and, if medically cleared and insurance authorizes the procedure, may be able to be on the surgery schedule in 4 to 6 weeks. However, some insurance plans require a documented, 3 or 6-month, preoperative medically-managed weight loss session. Consequently, it is very important to call our Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen before you begin the process so that she can determine your insurance coverage and limitations. Heather can be reached by voicemail at 916-491-1717.
-
Dr. Billy will see patients who have had surgery elsewhere. Before you make an appointment we suggest you call our Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen, to determine whether you have insurance coverage for a consultation. If you do not have insurance coverage, Heather can help set an expectation for how much your out of pocket expenses will be for consultation and follow up care. Heather can be reached by voicemail at 916-491-1717
-
If I had a Gastric Bypass procedure, am I still a candidate for Lap Band?
Dr. Billy can determine if you are a candidate for revision surgery. Having a “Band Over A Bypass” is considered revision of prior bariatric surgery. Dr. Billy does perform this procedure. To determine whether you have insurance coverage for revision bariatric surgery call our Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen. Heather can be reached by voicemail at 916-491-1717.
-
May I still attend support group even if Dr. Billy did not do my procedure?
Patients who did not have their surgery with Dr. Billy can attend one of our support groups. However, support group is not a substitute for follow up care. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health and weight loss progress, you should make an appointment for a follow up consultation.
-
How old is too old to have any weight loss surgery?
Dr. Billy will determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Your health is the most important factor.
-
Will Dr. Billy suggest which procedure is the better procedure for me?
Dr. Billy will provide you with information to help you to make a decision on which procedure you want to have. He will not make the decision for you.
-
Once the Lap Band procedure has been performed, what is its longevity?
The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant, but it may have to be removed or replaced at any time. For instance, the device may need to be removed to manage any adverse reactions you might have. FAQs specific to the LAP-BAND® System can be found at Lap-Band.com
