Gastric Bypass Surgery

The seminar was full of information regarding the different surgeries, pros and cons, lifestyle changes and basic steps to get started. When the seminar was finished we had the chance to speak with employees from Clarian Bariatrics. I instantly felt a warm sense of welcome and was astonished by the compassion of each person I talked to. The thought of discovering a place where people truly understood my situation and were eager to help was almost unbelievable.

The next few weeks I had long conversations with my husband and the reality of having surgery. We agreed that this would be kept between the two of us at this point. I was not ready to hear the reactions of my friends and family members because I just knew it would be negative. I had many hours of research and paperwork under my belt but I decided it would be in my best interest to attend support group. I wanted to hear the good, the bad and the ugly right from the horses mouth. 

This decision was easier said than done! I had never attended any type of group meetings like this.  The first night I decided to attend group I was as nervous as I was the day I entered high school!   How on earth was I going to walk into a room full of people I don’t know? How will they accept an outsider? Will I be judged by my appearance? What do I wear? What do I say? Where do I sit? What the heck was I thinking?

Check back next week for more of my story! In the meantime leave me questions you have about anything including:  Indianapolis Gastric Bypass, Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost, Indianapolis Bariatric Centers, Stomach Stapling Surgery and Indiana Bariatric Doctors.

Obviously results vary by all kinds of factors. According to the Clarian Bariatrics Web site where we discuss Indianapolis gastric bypass surgery:

"The failure rate for bariatric surgery is approximately 10-15 percent. In those patients who regain some or all of their weight following surgery, it is almost always because they fail to follow the guidelines and lifestyle changes required. Most patients who realize true "success" through bariatric surgery do so because they follow-up their surgery on a regular basis, and pay close attention to what and how much they eat. When you do that, you can almost be certain of long, lasting weight loss."

If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to talk to others who have already lived through gastric bypass weight loss, stomach stapling surgery or another bariatric procedure to get a better idea of what to expect.

Learning from people who are in a similar situation and have had a similar lifestyle changes can be incredibly helpful in determining if Indianapolis weight loss surgery is right for you. Clarian Bariatrics offers free monthly seminars with Indiana weight loss doctors and peers that are considering weight loss surgery options. To register or to get additional information, call (317) 275-7010 or visit this Web site to register.

Before I attended the informational meeting last October in Indianapolis regarding weight loss surgery, I truly intended to have the lap band procedure, and I left feeling that was my best option. While I’m sure there is great success with this surgery, after careful consideration and speaking to a few patients I learned that it wasn’t the best choice for me. Not only did I want to drastically improve my BMI and have successful weight loss, my strongest desire was to achieve longevity and keep it off...forever.

When comparing the percentage loss of excess weight within the first year between the lap band procedure and the RNY procedure, the comparisons are pretty drastic when you compare 48 percent to 80 percent of excess weight.

I chose the RNY gastric bypass surgery for not only the amount of weight I desired to lose, but also for the proven success of keeping it off. At this point, I’m six months out and 70 pounds more beautiful.

I’m thrilled with my decision it doesn't mean it is always an easy road. I truly miss Coke and am not ashamed to admit it! I’m also filled with gratitude that my energy level is the highest it’s ever been and I feel wonderful about the new me. I’ve gained more in confidence and genuine happiness over the past six months than I’ve ever had and look forward to what 2009 and it’s losses.

The current national economic situation and cost of healthcare has produced varying degrees of coverage for bariatric surgery by health insurance providers. The cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery has lead to many studies investigating initial cost of procedure to long term savings. Recent studies have verified that the cost of bariatric surgery has significant cost savings for insurance companies, patients and employers.

A study published in the September 2008 issue of “The American Journal of Managed Care” examined the third party payer return on investment for bariatric surgery in the United States.

Return on investment for this study was measured by decreased prescription medication use, decreased visit to healthcare providers, quality of life issues, increased productivity at work due to decreased sick time and decreased payout by both insurance companies and out of pocket expense from patient.

The national average cost of gastric bypass surgery was $16,000 (Laparoscopic) to $25,000 (open) per case. There are several variables such as age, sex and comorbidities but the average return on initial surgery costs occurs within the first four years after surgery.

In addition, a 2004 article in The Journal of American Medical Association reported:

• Type 2 Diabetes remission in 76.8 percent and significantly reduced in 86 percent of patients
• Hypertension remission in 61.7 percent and significantly reduced in 78.5 percent of patients.
• High Cholesterol reduced in more than 70 percent of patients.
• Sleep Apnea was eliminated in 85.7 percent of patients

This reduction in the above mentioned chronic diseases translates to significant savings. The evidence is extensive that bariatric procedure is a viable cost effective method to reduce the overall cost of healthcare.

There certainly are struggles with everything in life, and weight loss surgery is no exception. I’m learning that choices are at the highest of importance now and that foods that once didn’t sound appealing, now do.  I must stay focused and this requires great energy…but its doable.

My one thing I miss the most is Coke. It’s a staple, rather was a staple. How do you take away something that you’ve loved and known for nearly 25 years and not miss it? To miss it is real, to understand it’s potential danger to a RNY gastric bypass surgery patient is crucial.

Does water help? No. Water, that’s another story. If you’re not a water lover prior to surgery, chances are you won’t be after either. It’s all perspective. The ultimate goal is in sight and I think it’s important to remember that at all times. I remind myself of this with every bottle I drink.

What does help? Peer support, friends and family support, and the ability to do what is necessary to remind yourself and focus daily on the new, healthy version of the same old (or young) you.

With the passing of the Labor Day holiday it means that summer has officially come to a close. That is kind of hard to believe when it is still 90 degrees outside! I don't know about you, but autumn is my favorite season because it brings my favorite holiday (Halloween) and my favorite Sunday activity (football!)

As we prepare for the colder weather, I wanted to make everyone aware of Clarian Bariatrics upcoming informational seminars for September. Since we launched the blog in July we have received a lot of comments and questions relating to bariatric surgery costs including gastric bypass surgery costs, stomach stapling and laparascopic procedures.

The informational sessions are your opportunity to bring with you as many support people - and questions - necessary to feel comfortable with taking the first step towards a new you. There are so many bariatric doctors and surgeons in Indiana that perform weight loss surgery and it is important that individuals are informed of all the risks and expectations.

One of my next posts will be about the importance of "shopping around," but for now, please consider joining us at one of these upcoming information sessions.

• Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m.
• Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Each will session will be held at Clarian Bariatrics, located at INTECH Park, Building 11, 6625 Network Way, Suite 100, Indianapolis. Please call us at 317-275-7010 if you have questions or click on the photo at the top right corner of this page to save your place!