Bariatric Weight Loss FAQs
Preparation for Surgery
What tests do I need before surgery?
We’ll run blood work, heart checks, chest X-ray, and sometimes sleep or stomach studies. These make sure your body is ready and safe.
Why do I need a psychological evaluation?
It may be required as part of the insurance verification process, and it helps ensure you have the support and understanding you need to succeed. It is not a pass/fail test!
Do my health problems make surgery riskier?
Sometimes, but they also make surgery more important. We’ll explain your unique risks and benefits so you know exactly what to expect.
What can I do to speed up the process of getting ready for surgery?
Stop smoking, start light exercise, gather medical records, and keep up with health checks.
Insurance & Financing
Does insurance cover surgery?
Many plans do, but some exclude it. You may also be able to use HSA/FSA for qualified expenses.
How long does it take to get insurance approval?
It can take 3-6 weeks. Our team follows up, but calling your insurer helps too.
Can insurance deny surgery?
Yes, but appeals are possible. Keeping diet history and doctor letters helps. The medical community is trying to provide better and more complete information to the insurance companies so they have a better understanding of the global issues and the ways surgery can help.
What if my surgery is not covered?
New You offers cash-pay packages and financing to help make surgery possible. Call our team for more information.
After surgery, what other costs should I plan for?
Prepare to invest in vitamins, labs, and follow-up visits.
Surgery
Is laparoscopic surgery safer?
Yes. It’s as safe as open surgery and usually has less pain, shorter stays, and quicker recovery.
Will I have a lot of pain?
Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery.
How long will I be in the hospital?
As long as it takes to be self-sufficient, typically 1-2 days.
How soon will I be able to walk and drive?
You will be able to walk the same day! Most patients can drive in about 1-2 weeks (once off pain meds).
Life After Surgery
What’s so important about exercise?
When you have a weight loss surgery procedure, you lose weight because the amount of food energy (calories) you are able to eat is much less than your body needs to operate. Exercising after surgery will help you burn fat while protecting muscle.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Yes, however it is important to wait at least one year after the surgery before a pregnancy! You should consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy. Many women experience healthy pregnancies after weight loss.
Will I be asked to stop smoking?
Patients are required to stop smoking at least one month before surgery. Smokers have higher postoperative complications including pneumonia, stricture formation, and ulcers to name a few. In addition, some insurance plans will require you to stop smoking as many as six months prior to surgery.
Is it possible I will lose too much weight?
Highly unlikely – while you may lose weight faster right after surgery, your body naturally balances out.
What can I do to prevent excess hanging skin?
Staying active and hydrated helps, but some may choose skin removal surgery later.
Will I lose hair after surgery? How can I prevent it?
Some thinning happens at 3-6 months, but usually hair grows back by 9 months.
Diet
How long will I be off of solid foods after surgery?
You will receive instructions at each step of the process from our expert dietitian who specializes in nutritional changes after surgery. For most patients, we recommend 2 weeks on a full liqued diet, followed by 2 weeks of pureed food, followed by 2 weeks of soft foods, then you may resume a regular diet.
What are the best choices of protein?
Chicken, fish, turkey, eggs/egg whites, yogurt, and cottage cheese are all great choices.
Why is water so important?
Water helps your body heal, prevents kidney stones, and boosts weight loss.
What is Dumping Syndrome?
After bypass, eating too many sugary foods may cause nausea, sweating, or diarrhea. To avoid this, stay away from sweets or have them in very small amounts.
Will I be able to eat “spicy” foods or seasoned foods?
Most patients are able to enjoy spices within a short time after surgery.
How will alcohol affect me after surgery?
You will find that even small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. Even one standard bar drink may be too much! You will have higher blood alcohol levels even after lessor consumption, and alcoholic drinks will be more toxic on your liver post-surgery.
Will I need supplemental vitamins?
After surgery, you will need to take a bariatric specific vitamin and mineral supplement. We generally recommend a multivitamin, calcium/D supplement, B1, and will consider additional supplements depending on your surgery type and lab values.
Medical Weight Loss Program (Non-Surgical)
Can I join if I have diabetes or high blood pressure?
Yes, in fact many patients see improvements in these areas as they lose weight.
Do you prescribe medications?
Yes, we will prescribe medication if appropriate. Some options are short-term, others longer.
Are weight loss medications expensive?
Not always, many medications are generic and affordable.
Do I need a referral?
No! You are welcome to schedule with our office directly.
Do you offer virtual visits?
Yes, some appointments with your dietitian may be available virtually. You can also connect with our office via our patient app.
Red Light Therapy & Supplements
What is red light therapy and how does it help?
Red light therapy is gentle light therapy that supports healing. It is extremely safe when guided by your care team. With professional-grade lights, treatment may reduce swelling, ease soreness, and improve skin texture.
When can I start red light treatment?
If you are a surgical patient, you may begin red light therapy as soon as your incisions have healed.
Will I still need vitamins?
Yes. Chewables/liquids at first, then we will work together to come up with a lifelong vitamin regimen.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
What is revisional surgery?
Revisional surgery is a second procedure, often to fix or adjust a prior surgery.
Who needs revisional surgery?
Those with weight regain, reflux, or anatomy issues are good candidates.
Will insurance cover my revisional surgery?
Often, yes, if it is medically necessary.
Emotional & Mental Health Support
Why is mental health important while I’m losing weight?
Surgery changes routines and touches many parts of your life. Mental health support helps you succeed and keep the weight off.
Do I need therapy or group support?
Many weight loss patients benefit from both community and one-on-one support.
Are there virtual options?
Yes! Many groups and visits are online. New You hosts a bi-monthly virtual support group session, get in touch with our team to learn more.
Long-Term Support
How often should I follow up?
We’ll follow up several times during your first year after surgery, then yearly for life.
How can I prevent weight regain?
Prioritize protein first, drink water, get in lots of activity, take your vitamins, and see us for regular visits.
What kind of tracking helps?
Consider tracking food logs, daily steps, and body scans.
When should I call the New You team?
If you experience vomiting, pain, trouble swallowing, or weight gain, give our team a call.