Q & A
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Q:Question: Do I qualify for this kind of weight-loss program?
A:Answer:You may be a candidate for our medical weight-loss program if you are 18 years old or older, have a BMI over 30 or have a BMI higher than 27 combined with conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea or high cholesterol.
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Q:Question: Why does weight loss matter?
A:Answer:Losing extra weight benefits your whole health and can improve many other health conditions.
As you lose weight, you can expect to see significant improvements in medical conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Heartburn
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Joint pain and degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Sleep apnea
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Q:Question: How much does the surgery cost, and will my insurance cover it?
A:Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. Our care coordinators will help you communicate with your insurance company to understand what coverage your plan requires and provides.
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Q:Question: Which bariatric procedure is best for me?
A:Answer:This will be determined at your consult visit when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors like your BMI and health history.
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Q:Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
A:Answer:Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (a year and a half), and most of the weight comes off in the first year.
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Q:Question: Will my hunger go away after surgery?
A:Answer:No operation eliminates hunger completely; hunger is a survival instinct and a necessary bodily function. However, weight-loss surgery will reduce your hunger, especially in the first few months after the operation.
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Q:Question: What is the average length of time for weight-loss operations?
A:Answer:Gastric bypass procedures typically take two hours, while gastric sleeve procedures take about an hour and a half.
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Q:Question: What percentage of people can lose weight after surgery and keep it off long-term?
A:Answer:About 75% of people who undergo surgery can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
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Q:Question: Why should I be evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth?
A:Answer:Getting evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is the first step toward regaining control of your life.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOur team can determine if you are a candidate for a living donor transplant, which provides more options for you and lasts longer, on average, than kidneys from deceased donors.
If you have a living donor who is not compatible, paired kidney exchange (PKE) or kidney-paired donation (KPD) might be an option. If accepted into these programs, your wait time for a transplant might be shorter, which means less time on dialysis. You may even be able to receive a kidney transplant before you begin dialysis.
Seeking a transplant is a major life event, and we know you have questions. We’re here to support you through the entire process, from kidney transplant evaluation to post-op life.
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Q:Question: What is a kidney transplant evaluation?
A:Answer:We follow a detailed kidney transplant evaluation process to determine if you are a candidate. As part of your evaluation, you will meet with several members of our transplant team and have tests to determine if a kidney transplant is right for you. You will also learn more about the process.