| 101 Robeson Street, Suite 200 Fayetteville, NC 28301 P: (910) 323-2696 F: (910) 323-8636 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will insurance cover the cost of my operation?
We will work with you to obtain coverage from your insurance company should they be reluctant. This is, after all, not cosmetic surgery, but surgery to improve your health and longevity. Some insurance companies specifically exclude coverage for any aspect of weight loss in their policies. In this case, it will be impossible to convince the insurance company to cover the surgery. Some patients change insurance companies in order to gain coverage. It is advisable to confirm your insurance coverage before contemplating weight reduction surgery.
Q: Will there be a delay before I can have my surgery?
There often is a delay, and this is usually the time required to get “preauthorization” from the insurance company. It is not uncommon to have a delay of a few weeks while we work on this.
Q: Where will my surgery be done?
Your surgery will be done at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Q: How long will it be before I can get back to work?
Every individual is different. Patients commonly take four weeks off from work, but some patients can go back sooner, especially if they are self-employed, or work at home. Patients who have physically demanding jobs may take longer to resume work.
Q: I am afraid of anesthesia. Is this justified?
There is always some risk to having anesthesia. We are fortunate to have anesthesiologists who are Board Certified and experienced in administering anesthesia to the overweight. If you have concerns about the anesthesia we can put you in touch with the anesthesiologist at the time of the initial evaluation.
Q: Will I have pain after surgery?
Some pain after surgery is inevitable. We try, usually successfully, to keep pain to a minimum by using one of the modern pain treatment methods, such as patient controlled analgesia (PCA), or intrathecal morphine.
Q: Should I have a private duty nurse after surgery?
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center nurses have received training in the postoperative care of the overweight patient. A private duty nurse is not necessary or advisable.
Q: What about a support group?
A support group for patients operated by the doctor meets every other week. The support group is professionally run, and is a valuable opportunity for patients to compare their experiences. The support group is currently for postoperative patients primarily. Once the surgery had been scheduled, however, attendance at a support group meeting is encouraged, but not required. There is no charge for attending the support group meetings.
Q: Is there an age above which Dr. Carter will not perform weight loss surgery?
Dr. Carter does not adhere to a rigid upper age limit. If a patient is in reasonably good health and does not pose an unacceptable surgical risk, then surgery will be offered. The oldest patient having weight loss surgery was in her seventies and had excellent results.
Q: May I have an opportunity to speak with a patient who has already had the surgery?
Once you have met with the doctor for the initial evaluation, he can arrange for you to talk with one of his postoperative patients if you wish.
Q: Where should I phone to arrange my initial evaluation for weight loss surgery?
Dr. Carter will perform the initial evaluation during an office appointment.
Q: I am thinking about getting pregnant. Will I be able to have children after weight loss surgery?
Many women have had successful pregnancies after weight loss surgery. There is nothing per se that would prevent pregnancy. We recommend, however, that you wait until your weight loss is complete before becoming pregnant. This may take a year or more. The effect of rapid and prolonged weight loss on the developing fetus is unknown but it could have dire consequences, and pregnancy is not recommended until a stable weight has been attained.
Q: Will I require an NG (nasogastric) tube to drain the stomach after my surgery?
Dr. Carter has never used a nasogastric tube on any of his weight loss surgery patients during or immediately after the surgery.
Q: Will I require any sort of invasive monitoring during my surgery, such as arterial lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, subclavian, or internal jugular lines?
Every patient is individualized, of course, but in general, invasive monitoring techniques are not used during surgery. Arterial blood gases are monitored by an external device, which fits over the finger, blood pressures are measured by a blood pressure cuff, and intravenous access is maintained by a peripheral IV. Any invasive monitoring device has its own potential complications and is avoided if possible.
Q: Will I require arterial blood gases to be performed before my surgery?
Arterial blood gases are not routinely – in fact are seldom – performed before weight loss surgery. In patients in whom very poor respiratory function might compromise the safety of the operation, preoperative blood gases might be considered.
Q: What is the minimum age for weight loss surgery? What is the maximum age?
Most bariatric surgeons agree that there is a minimum age for surgery, which is 18 years of age. However, there is no absolute upper limit. As long as you are physically able to withstand an operation and you fulfill the other criteria for surgery, you are a candidate. Practically speaking we do not frequently perform this surgery on individuals over 60 years of age.
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