Frequently Asked Questions
The Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on weight loss and gastric bypass surgery:
About the Center | Qualifications for Surgery | Types of Weight Loss Surgery l Becoming a Patient l About Gastric Bypass Surgery
About the Center
Q. How can I learn more about the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens?
A. You can visit our web site or contact us by email, being sure to include your name, phone number and address. You may also call the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens directly, 1-800-344-2462, extension 64453, and leave your name, phone number and address. Someone will call you and arrange to have informational brochures sent to your home.
Q. What type of pre-surgery and post-surgery care does the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens provide?
A. The Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens offers extensive pre-surgery and post-surgery care provided by our team of surgeons, medical doctor, psychologist, dietitians, exercise physiologist and nurses. This experienced team of health care providers works together to ensure that you gain the knowledge and support needed to ensure a healthy, successful outcome for a lifetime.
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Qualifications for Surgery
Q. What qualifies someone for bariatric surgery?
A. To be considered for bariatric surgery, a teen must meet the following criteria (meeting these criteria does NOT necessarily mean that weight loss surgery is right for you!):
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 (generally more than 120 pounds over ideal weight) with obesity-related health problems (for example, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, or significant quality of life or mobility problems).
- Inadequate weight loss with prior organized weight loss attempts
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Types of Weight Loss Surgery
Q. How can I find information about the types of weight loss surgery available?
A. There are many web sites and publications that can be useful resources. Two web sites that we recommend are The American Society of Bariatric Surgery and the American Obesity Association.
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Becoming a Patient of the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens
Q. How do I become a patient?
A. First we need your primary medical doctor to complete the Bariatric Fast Track Referral form referring you for bariatric surgery, which includes:
- Your current height and weight
- A history of conditions being treated
- Diagnostic testing that has been done
- History of weight loss attempts
These records are reviewed by our clinical team to help determine if weight loss surgery may be an option for you.
You should also consider attending a free informational seminar about the program. During this one-hour session, one of the program's staff members provide a "slide-show" about teenage obesity and weight loss surgery for a group of patients and families. We provide ample time for questions and answers, in a relaxed, friendly setting. Call us for convenient dates and times.
Q. What can I do while I am waiting to enter the program?
A. Continue to adopt healthy eating patterns, develop an exercise routine. This will help surgical candidates prepare to be in the best physical condition for surgery.
Q. Does insurance cover this program?
A. This depends on each person's insurance coverage, as plans tend to vary. You can contact the customer service unit of your insurance carrier to determine what benefits your child has under your plan. We also have a Family Financial Advocate on staff to assist patients and their families with this process.
Q. How long does the process take from referral to surgery?
A. It can take as little as one month or as long as one year, depending on the length of time it takes to obtain insurance authorization, diagnostic testing, team evaluation and surgical scheduling. Each case is handled on an individual basis. Please contact us with questions specific to your child.
It is important that you learn all you can about obesity, nutrition, and optimal weight management options. It is also very important for us to learn as much about your family's specific situation to help guide you. It is our sincere hope that by following the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens Preoperative Timeline, a careful and informed decision can be made in regards to each specific patient.
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About Gastric Bypass Surgery
Q. Why have a laparoscopic procedure vs. open procedure?
A. Usually patients that have a laparoscopic procedure experience shorter hospitalization, less risk of wound complications, less discomfort and faster recovery.
Q. What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
A. Potential risks of weight loss surgery include:
- Anesthesia complications or reactions
- Drug reactions
- Hemorrhage
- Infection
- Organ injury
- Conversion to open surgery
- Psychological adjustments
- Incisional hernia
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Death
The risk of death following bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly, as it can occur in one out of every 200 adult patients who undergo this procedure.
Q. How long does the surgery take?
A. Surgery can take 2-5 hours depending on the individual and his / her health condition at time of surgery.
Q. How long until I can go back to work / school?
A. Hospital stay is usually 3-5 days for laparoscopic procedure, but may be longer if open procedure is required. Some patients may be able to return to work or school in 2-6 weeks, depending upon the amount of physical activity required for their job / school. It may be extended on an individual basis, depending on individual factors.
Q. What kind of diet will I have following surgery?
A. Patients begin on a liquid diet following surgery. They progress to pureed diet, then to soft diet, then to regular diet. These stages will be advanced in varying periods of time over the year following surgery, under close management by program dietitians and surgeons.
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