FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~ Chinese Proverb
At Southern Oregon Bariatric Center we believe that the best care happens in partnership with our patients. Because we believe this so strongly we want to be sure that you have the education and information you need to move forward safely and with confidence.
Many people have questions as they begin this journey. That is normal and understandable. Below we have offered information on some of the most frequently asked questions.
How do I get started?
Here is the fun part, you have already started! By simply exploring our website, learning about us, and the surgeries we offer, you have gotten started. Congratulations! The next steps are to:
- Watch our FREE online Bariatric Seminar.
- Complete the online Seminar Review Quiz.
- Print and complete the New Patient Paperwork Forms provided after the quiz. Please Print SINGLE SIDED.
- Return the New Patient Paperwork Forms to us. Directions provided with the forms.
- If you have not done so already, obtain a referral from your medical provider.
Once we have both your New Patient Paperwork and a Referral, we will:
- Confirm your insurance benefits for bariatric surgery.
- Complete a clinical and medical record review.
- Contact you to schedule your Free Telephone Screening/Qualification visit.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve: How do I decide which surgery is the right one for me?
My insurance requires me to do medically supervised weight loss before will they approve surgery. Do you offer this service?
Yes. If your insurance requires you to complete any amount of pre-surgery medically supervised weight loss, we are here to help. We offer medically supervised weight loss for those seeking bariatric surgery.
If you have completed your medically supervised weight loss already, we will review those records to be sure they meet the requirements of your insurance.
Your first step is to watch our Free Online Bariatric Seminar and then follow the directions provided after the Seminar.
My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery. Do I have other options?
Yes. Investing in bariatric surgery is an investment in yourself and a healthier future. Our financial adviser will walk you through the available options. For details please review our Insurance & Financing page.
How long does the surgery take? And how long will I be in the hospital?
I do not live in the Medford, Oregon area. Can I still have bariatric surgery with SOBC?
I am interested in having a revision from one kind of bariatric surgery to another. Is this a surgery your offer?
How long will it be before I can get back to work?
Is there a difference between Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Surgery?
Can I regain my weight?
We agree with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) when they state: ” ‘Successful’ weight-loss is arbitrarily defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight.” ASMBS goes on to state, “Often, successful results are determined by the patient, by their perceived improvement in quality of life. In such cases, the total retained weight-loss may be more, or less, than this arbitrary definition. Such massive and sustained weight reduction with surgery is in sharp contrast to the experiences most patients have previously had with non-surgical therapies.” Source: ASMBS.org 2014
The longer answer to why someone may regain some or all of their weight is much more complicated. There are a number of physiological and psychological reasons why weight regain can happen.
It is important to recognize that bariatric surgery is very different from other forms of surgery that have more of a distinctive “end” where you recover and then go on with your life. Instead, life after bariatric surgery exists on a continuum. As part of that continuum, there may be times you will need more assistance with your weight control than others.
The most important thing you need to know is that if at any point of time after bariatric surgery you are experiencing any amount of weight regain, please call us. Make an appointment. Come in. Go to support group. We are here to help.
To learn more, please visit Reeger Cortell’s Podcast Episode that includes information about PREVENTING WEIGHT REGAIN – WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SHOW.
Will I have excess skin?
- The size of a person. The larger a person becomes, the more their skin stretches over time.
- The number of times a person lost and regained weight. With each loss and regain the skin loses more of its ability to shrink back down.
- A persons age. Younger people tend to have more elastin in their skin which helps skin shrink back down.
- Gender. Men tend to have more elastin than women.
- Genetics. We inherit many things from our parents, including genetics factors that influence skins appearance.
However, there are things that you can do that will help not only your overall health and wellness, but also the health and appearance of your skin after bariatric surgery.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Follow your nutrition and vitamin plan.
- Do regular aerobic and muscle building exercises. Aerobic exercises like walking, biking, hiking, etc help build strong heart, lungs, and blood supply to your entire body including your skin. Muscle building exercises will not shrink excess skin. However, having strong, healthy muscles under your skin will “fill out” your skin and give it a healthier, more toned appearance.