Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Choosing to have weight-loss surgery is a very personal decision and a difficult one at that. Most patients have tried for years to lose weight on their own and have failed. Having a structured program is helpful if you are willing to be dedicated to a special diet or program for a lifetime.

Typically you are a candidate for weight loss surgery if you are considered morbidly obese and if have one or more co-morbidities:

• You are more than 100 pounds overweight
• You have a BMI over 40
• You have a BMI over 35 and serious health conditions related to your weight such as the following:
  • Diabetes - the body’s inability to correctly produce and utilize insulin
  • High blood pressure – abnormally high blood pressure
  • Hyperlipidemia – abnormally high cholesterol levels
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – a condition that causes stomach acid to enter into the esophagus and erodes the esophageal tissue
  • Weight related arthritis – joint pain and restriction due to excessive weight
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea – frequent disruption of breathing during sleep which can cause fatigue and health risks associated with oxygen deprivation
  • And you are unable to reach or maintain a healthy body weight, even with medically supervised dieting

Research shows that weight loss surgery can reduce or resolve many health issues that are directly related to obesity. Some of the most commonly documented health benefits include a drastic improvement or resolution of Type 2 Diabetes, as well as a significant decrease in hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease. In addition, most weight loss surgery patients find it easier to breathe and find that they are able to stop using their CPAP machines. For patients who previously suffered from arthritis, lower back problems, or joint pain is diminished as a result of the weight loss surgery.

Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Intra Gastric Balloon (non surgical)

Most patients are able to return to work in 2 weeks. However, recovery time is highly individualized depending on co-morbid conditions and pre-operative weight and how well the patient regains their strength. The first two weeks are not only a time for healing but also for getting used to the new characteristics of their newly revised stomachs.

The follow up care after any weight loss surgery is vital to successful long term results. Monitoring dietary and exercise habits along with checking vitamin panels every 3 months for the first year will help lead to success. Though there are no ‘adjustments’ made with the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass, monitoring dietary, nutritional and exercise habits are very important. The regular follow up intervals for the first year after surgery and every anniversary year is mandatory. Weight loss surgery is a lifestyle change. Education, support and reaching goals for your ‘changes’ are the keys to success.

To get a consult, you must have your physician (PCP or TRIWEST approved provider) enter a computer generated consult through CHCS. The consult is then reviewed by one of our surgeons within 72 hours of the consult being submitted. Information needed to expedite the processing of your consult includes your current height & weight, you or your spouse’s PRD/EAOS, any history of cancer, and your social history (smoke & alcohol use). You can call the Consult Manager (619) 532-6950 to find out the status of your consult. Your consult can be accepted, denied, or disengaged. If your consult is accepted, the Consult Manager will contact to set up your appointment. If you have been disengaged, your consult is automatically forwarded to Utilization Management so that you can seek care in the civilian sector. TRIWEST will send you a letter in the mail in 4-6 weeks to let you know whether your consult to be seen by an outside provider is approved or not. Not all requests are approved.

There is no waiting list for consults.

Active members, retirees, and dependents can be seen in the clinic. Occasionally, we have to limit the number of persons that can be seen. You can call 619-532-6950 to determine if you can be seen in our clinic.

You will not have surgery on your first visit. Surgery planning takes time and coordination. Your surgery will be performed by a Plastic Surgeon although a resident or intern may assist.

Smoking does not allow for proper wound healing and elective surgery will not be performed if you are actively smoking. The clinic performs nicotine testing on patients who are smokers to assure that they have quit for at least 6 weeks prior to scheduled elective surgery. A positive nicotine test will result in rescheduling or cancelling of an elective procedure.

The surgeon determines if a procedure is deemed cosmetic or therapeutic according to the guidelines set forth by TRIWEST. Surgery costs vary according to the type of procedure, anesthesia fees, and other associated facilities costs. BUMED fees change annually. Neither NMCSD nor the Plastic Surgery Clinic has control over the costs of surgical procedures.