Insurance coverage for gastric sleeve surgery in Los Angeles, CA depends on the specific policy and provider. It is often required to have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. Patients may also need to demonstrate previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise. Pre-approval, medical history documentation, and participation in a supervised weight loss program may be required. It's important to consult with both your surgeon and insurance provider to understand the requirements for coverage.
Gastric Sleeve FAQ Los Angeles, CA
Gastric Sleeve FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric (weight loss) procedure where approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed. This reduces the stomach’s size to a tube-like structure, significantly limiting food intake and promoting weight loss.
Candidates typically include individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher or those with a BMI of 35 and above who have obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Patients must also have demonstrated prior attempts at weight loss through diet, exercise, or other non-surgical methods.
The cost of sleeve gastrectomy can vary based on your location. In California, bariatric surgery typically costs less than the national average. Among weight loss surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is generally more affordable compared to options like gastric bypass.
On average, sleeve gastrectomy costs around $23,000. However, the cost in Los Angeles, CA can fluctuate due to factors such as the duration of the surgery, the associated risks, and your Body Mass Index (BMI).
When searching for the best gastric sleeve surgeon, several critical qualifications must be considered. First and foremost, ensure that the surgeon is board-certified in bariatric surgery, as this indicates a recognized level of proficiency and adherence to standard practices. Look for a surgeon with extensive experience, specifically in gastric sleeve procedures, as a higher volume of surgeries often correlates with better outcomes.
It's also essential to review the surgeon's success rates and complication rates, which can provide insight into their skill and reliability. Personal rapport is another important factor; choose a surgeon who takes the time to explain the procedure, address your concerns, and outline a comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care plan.
Finally, reading patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable perspectives on the surgeon's approach and patient satisfaction, helping you make a more informed decision.
The gastric sleeve pre-op diet helps to reduce liver size and prepare the body for surgery. It includes high protein, low carb, low fat, and low sugar foods such as protein shakes, lean meats, non-starchy vegetables, and clear liquids. Patients should avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. The goal is to promote weight loss, shrink the liver, and minimize surgery risks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your health needs.
Why is it important to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
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Before gastric sleeve surgery, it is crucial to stop taking certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgeon will provide a specific timeline for when to discontinue these medications, typically around 7-10 days before surgery. Following these instructions carefully is essential to minimize surgical risks and ensure a safe procedure.
As part of the pre-operative preparation, patients must undergo a series of lab tests, medical clearances, and imaging studies. These may include blood work, EKGs, chest X-rays, and a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery. The goal is to identify and manage any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that could complicate the procedure. These tests help the surgical team plan appropriately and reduce the risk of complications. Upper Endoscopy is required in patients with signs and symptoms of acid reflux to identify the underlying cause of heartburn before surgery.
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery goes beyond physical readiness; emotional and nutritional preparation is also key. Patients are often required to meet with a nutritionist to develop a pre- and post-surgery meal plan, focusing on protein intake and portion control. Additionally, consultations with a psychologist may be recommended to ensure emotional readiness, address any food addiction or emotional eating patterns, and mentally prepare for lifestyle changes after surgery. This holistic approach helps set patients up for long-term success after the procedure.
Before gastric sleeve surgery, it is crucial to stop taking certain medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your surgeon will provide a specific timeline for when to discontinue these medications, typically around 7-10 days before surgery. Following these instructions carefully is essential to minimize surgical risks and ensure a safe procedure.
As part of the pre-operative preparation, patients must undergo a series of lab tests, medical clearances, and imaging studies. These may include blood work, EKGs, chest X-rays, and a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery. The goal is to identify and manage any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that could complicate the procedure. These tests help the surgical team plan appropriately and reduce the risk of complications. Upper Endoscopy is required in patients with signs and symptoms of acid reflux to identify the underlying cause of heartburn before surgery.
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery goes beyond physical readiness; emotional and nutritional preparation is also key. Patients are often required to meet with a nutritionist to develop a pre- and post-surgery meal plan, focusing on protein intake and portion control. Additionally, consultations with a psychologist may be recommended to ensure emotional readiness, address any food addiction or emotional eating patterns, and mentally prepare for lifestyle changes after surgery. This holistic approach helps set patients up for long-term success after the procedure.
he trend of gastric sleeve surgery in Los Angeles, CA, continues to rise as the procedure becomes a popular and effective option for weight loss. In recent years, more than half of all bariatric surgeries in the U.S. have been sleeve gastrectomies. In Los Angeles specifically, the demand is driven by the effectiveness of the procedure in treating obesity and related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
Facilities in the city also offer comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including nutrition counseling and psychological support, which are crucial for long-term success.
Gastric Sleeve and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass are both effective weight loss surgeries. Gastric sleeve involves removing a large portion of the stomach, limiting food intake, and reducing hunger, while Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass restricts the stomach size and reroutes part of the small intestine, reducing food intake and nutrient absorption. Gastric sleeves have a lower risk of complications, but gastric bypasses result in more rapid weight loss. Both require lifelong dietary changes and supplementation for optimal results.
Gastric Sleeve Operation Phase
The surgery typically takes between 1-2 hours, depending on individual patient factors. It is performed laparoscopically, meaning several small incisions are made rather than one large one.
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and unaware during the procedure.
The procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning several small incisions are made in the abdomen rather than one large one. Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts a camera and surgical tools to perform the operation.
Recovery Phase After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
After gastric sleeve surgery, most patients go home on the same day. Our surgery is done in a manner that allows for patients to be discharged on the same day, by providing long acting pain control.
The post-op diet is typically divided into stages:
- Stage 1 (Days 1-3): Clear liquids like broth, sugar-free gelatin, and water.
- Stage 2 (Days 4-14): Full liquids, including protein shakes, strained soups, and unsweetened beverages.
- Stage 3 (Weeks 3-4): Pureed and soft foods like mashed vegetables, eggs, and yogurt.
- Stage 4 (Weeks 5-6 and beyond): Gradual reintroduction of solid foods, focusing on lean proteins and vegetables. It is crucial to avoid sugary, fried, or highly processed foods, as these can cause complications like dumping syndrome or delayed healing.
Experiencing pain under the ribs or other discomfort after gastric sleeve surgery can be common, especially in the early weeks of recovery. It's essential to monitor the nature and severity of the pain: - Mild Discomfort: Normal as your body heals from surgery and improves within a few weeks. - Gas Pain: Can cause discomfort in the rib area, shoulders, or chest; walking and moving around can help. - Acid Reflux or GERD: Manage with antacid medications; consult your doctor if it persists. - More Serious Concerns: Severe, sharp, or persistent pain could indicate a serious complication. Seek medical attention if you experience fever, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increasing pain. Always consult your surgeon if you're concerned about unusual or severe pain after surgery.
After gastric sleeve surgery, most patients can return to light work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their recovery and the nature of their job. If your work involves a desk job or minimal physical activity, you may be able to resume work sooner. However, if your job requires heavy lifting, physical exertion, or long periods of standing, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before you can fully return to these duties.
It's essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too quickly during the recovery process. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when it's safe for you to return to work based on your individual recovery progress. Always consult with your doctor before resuming any significant activity.
Weight loss is rapid in the first 6-12 months after surgery. Most patients lose around 50-70% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months.
Address concerns about reversibility, understanding the permanence of this life-changing procedure.
In recent years, surgeons have observed that gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, has been increasingly recognized for its significant impact on weight loss and its potential to improve overall health. This minimally invasive procedure gained popularity in the early 2010s as an effective option for individuals struggling with obesity. Many patients have reported experiencing sustained positive results from gastric sleeve surgery, with weight loss and improved health outcomes persisting for up to 10 years and beyond following the procedure.
To ensure lasting success:
- Stick to a healthy diet rich in protein, vegetables, and low in carbs.
- Avoid high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods.
- Stay physically active, aiming for regular exercise.
- Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and overall health.
Frequent follow-up visits are necessary in the first year, with appointments typically scheduled at:
- 1-2 weeks after surgery
- 1-month post-op
- 3, 6, and 12 months post-op Annual check-ups are advised thereafter to monitor for long-term health and nutritional needs.
- Some Candidates will be followed monthly virtually
Yes, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is typically necessary to avoid deficiencies. Common supplements include:
- Multivitamins
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium and Vitamin D
- Iron
- Can I expect hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery?
In most cases, this hair loss is temporary, and hair growth resumes as your body adjusts, and your nutritional intake improves. To minimize the risk, it's important to follow your surgeon’s post-surgery diet plan, which includes high-protein foods and appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation. If hair loss persists or becomes severe, consulting with your healthcare provider for further nutritional evaluation and treatment is recommended.
Exercise is crucial for recovery and long-term success after gastric sleeve surgery. Initially, engage in light activities like walking to promote circulation. Regular exercise becomes important for maintaining weight loss, muscle mass, and overall health as you heal. Around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, with doctor's clearance, gradually incorporate more intense activities like resistance training and cardiovascular exercise to boost metabolism and well-being. Start slowly and increase activity progressively to avoid injury.
Pregnancy after gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, but it requires careful planning and monitoring. Most healthcare providers recommend waiting 12-18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant. Women often experience improved fertility after the initial recovery period. Still, it's crucial to work closely with your healthcare team throughout the pregnancy to ensure proper nutrition for both you and your baby. Deficiencies in nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron, and B12 are common after bariatric surgery. With proper care, most women who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
It's generally not recommended to drink alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery, especially in the early months. Your body metabolizes alcohol differently after surgery, and it can have a quicker and stronger effect. The reduced stomach size means alcohol passes more rapidly into the intestines, which can lead to quicker intoxication and a higher risk of complications. Alcohol is also high in calories and can slow down weight loss progress. Most surgeons recommend waiting 6-12 months before consuming alcohol, and when you do, it should be in moderation. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice about alcohol consumption based on your recovery and health goals.
Contact Healthy Life Bariatrics: Start Your Journey with Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Moein
At Healthy Life Bariatrics, led by renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Moein, we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey toward a healthier life. Dr. Moein, with years of expertise in advanced bariatric procedures, specializes in transformative surgeries such as gastric sleeve surgery. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the stomach’s size, promoting sustainable weight loss and improving overall health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to post-operative care, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to your unique needs. For more information or to discuss whether gastric sleeve surgery or another weight loss procedure is right for you, visit us or contact our office directly. Dr. Moein and our dedicated team look forward to helping you take the first step toward a healthier, happier future.
