Q & A
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: How do I get evaluated for a liver transplant?
A:Answer:To get the process started, call us directly at 773-702-4500. Our team can evaluate you for a liver transplant or provide a second opinion. You can expect to meet with a member of the liver transplant team within a couple of weeks, either in person or virtually.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThe entire process of getting evaluated for a liver transplant can take several weeks or months, depending on how quickly you can complete your testing. The tests you need will depend on your underlying cause of liver disease and how advanced your disease is. For significantly ill patients requiring hospitalization, transplant evaluations can be performed in a matter of days.
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Q:Question: How do I find out if I am a candidate for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Our transplant team will meet and discuss your case to decide if you are a candidate for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine. You will receive a phone call and a letter from your nurse with the decision.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you are a candidate, our team will place you on the organ waiting list or work with you to schedule your surgery if a living donor is available. The team will also notify you if they need more information to make a decision.
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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.
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Q:Question: What testing do I need for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Some of the tests you will have at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth include:
- An electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a stress test to check your heart health
- Blood work for organ matching and to screen for viruses and other conditions
- Chest X-ray to identify any issues with your lungs or heart
- Cancer screenings based on your age and gender
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese tests take time, and you may need additional tests depending on your condition. The evaluation process usually takes a few weeks to just over a month. You must keep your appointments to be considered for a transplant at UChicago Medicine.
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Q:Question: How do I find out if I am a candidate for a liver transplant?
A:Answer:Our liver transplant team will meet with you and review your tests to decide if you are a candidate for a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine. You will receive a phone call and a letter from your nurse with the decision.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you are accepted as a candidate for a liver transplant, our team will place you on the organ waiting list or work with you to schedule your surgery if a living donor is available. The team will also notify you if they need more information to make a decision.