You will be going to a new website, operated on behalf of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan by a third party. The protection of your privacy will be governed by the privacy policy of that site. Please review the terms of use and privacy policies of the new site you will be visiting.UC Davis Medical Center offers a program for the surgical treatment of obesity. The program is staffed by Mohamed Ali, M.D.; Judy Tsurutani, R.N., B.S.N., Clinical Nurse III/Bariatric Nurse Coordinator; Barbara Jachniewicz, R.N.F.A., M.S., F.N.P.-B.C., N.P.; Abigail J. Scheitlin, B.S.N., R.M., M.S.N., F.N.P.-B.C.; Elaine Souza, M.P.H., R.D., Dietitian; Angela Damron, R.D., Dietitian; Jane McClay, Psy.D., Psychologist ; Elizabeth Martinez, new patient referral coordinator; Alexis Trombley, surgical coordinator; Christina Garcia, nurse coordinator assistant, and Galina Poruchikov, post-surgery follow up coordinator. Type of bariatric surgery There are three types of surgical procedures for obesity performed at UC Davis Medical Center.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. [Click here for more information about each type of surgery] All three bariatric surgeries are laparoscopic, which means five one-half inch incisions are made on the abdomen.  Recycled Toilet Paper CaseThe surgeon then performs the operation using special laparoscopic tools and by observation through a small camera.Used Bar Stools For Sale Chicago The program involves at least three pre-operative interviews with each patient in order to review medical, surgical and psychosocial history. Short Prom Dress AustraliaThe patient's understanding of the method of operation, possible complications, and post operative diet and exercise requirements is also assessed

Candidates for surgery are chosen based on clear information that the medical indications for bariatric surgery are met as well as the patient’s candidacy for major surgery as determined by our team. A medical evaluation by the patient’s primary-care provider, including laboratory work, should accompany the patient to their visit with our team. Other medical tests such as a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and sleep study may be ordered based on a patient's medical history. Psychological assessment is required and will be done by the bariatric psychologist who will be available for the patient post-operatively, if needed. Once a patient is medically, psychologically, and nutritionally cleared for surgery, insurance authorization is requested and must be received prior to scheduling surgery. In general, patients seeking bariatric surgery for weight loss must be at least 100 pounds overweight and have failed prior medically supervised attempts at weight loss. Documentation of such attempts will need to be provided at the time of consultation. 

If this is not available, we may recommend a medically supervised weight-reduction program prior to further consideration. The method of weight loss is the restriction of oral intake because the stomach becomes full with small amounts of food.  In order to successfully lose and maintain a lower weight, the patient must adhere to a lifelong low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise routine. The rate of success with this surgery varies; approximately 30% to 40% of the patients lose at least 100 pounds of their excess weight and are able to maintain this loss for years. Approximately 50% to 60% lose 100 or more pounds and then regain some of the weight.  Approximately 10% to 20% lose less than a desired amount of weight or regain a great deal of their weight. The successful patient is one who is able to maintain a low-calorie diet and consistent exercise. Our dietitian is available to all post-operative patients to assist with dietary and behavior changes. Following the surgery, patients are in the hospital for a minimum of 2 to 10 days if there are no major complications.

The status of the patient’s lungs prior to surgery is important to know, as those with prior lung disease are more likely to require mechanical ventilation for longer periods after surgery. Your activity will be restricted to no strenuous activity for six weeks after the operation. You may walk, use a stationary bike, and perform light household duties as tolerated upon your return home. Most patients remain off work for six weeks to allow enough time to heal and work on new lifestyle changes. After surgery, patients will be seen in bariatric clinic at 2 weeks post-op, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year.  We then continue to follow our patients at least one time per year, with no end date.   Patients may be seen by the nurse practitioner, nurse, dietitian, and surgeon at each visit.Will my insurance company cover Bariatric Surgery?Some Insurance plans do cover Bariatric Surgery. The easiest way to find out is to call the Customer Service phone number on your Insurance Card and ask if Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery is a covered Benefit.

What happens if I don’t obey my dietary guidelines following weight loss surgery? Ignoring dietary guidelines following surgery can slow down weight loss and make you sick. Will I need to undergo plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin? Will it be covered by insurance? After reaching weight loss goals, some patients may have excess sagging skin. Certain reconstructive procedures may be considered for coverage by some insurance companies. Dr. Eric Harris, one of our bariatric surgeons is also a Cosmetic Surgeon and currently offers FREE consultations. Without insurance coverage we have very competitive pricing and financing options. Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery? After undergoing weight loss surgery, you may find that even small amounts of alcohol affect you quickly. For the first year, it is suggested that you limit your alcohol intake or refrain from alcohol all together. Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories and can hamper weight loss.

If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke? Patients who smoke cigarettes are asked to quit prior to surgery. Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery? Exercise burns calories, it also helps to build and preserve muscle. Without exercise, your body will consume your unused muscle as you lose weight. This will cause you to lose muscle mass and strength. Can I get pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery? You should avoid pregnancy for at least one year after weight loss surgery at our surgical center. Once a year has passed consult with your surgeon. You should be able to have a healthy pregnancy. How can I prevent hair loss after undergoing weight loss surgery? Rapid weight loss often causes patients to lose some hair a few months after surgery. This is usually due to reduced intake of protein and the mineral zinc. Your nutritionist will inform you on the appropriate supplements to take after surgery. What is dumping syndrome?

Dumping is a group of symptoms caused by eating or drinking high-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods and causes increased “racing” heart rate, sweating, cramping of the bowels and diarrhea. What can a Canadian expect? PSSC has customized our service packages to accommodate the needs of our Canadian patients. I can get weight loss surgery in Canada, can’t I? Why should I come to the USA to get it done? There are some procedures done in Canada, but the average wait for surgery is currently 6 years. At Eviva, we want to get you taken care of in timely fashion, accommodating your surgery potentially in weeks. In addition, we have the most experience conducting the latest procedures, such as LapSleeve. We have a convenient clinic location just across the border in Bellingham, WA. Are the fees that I pay for my surgery tax-deductible? A number of Canadian patients have successfully submitted their receipts and received tax refunds under Medical Expenses for their weight loss surgery fees.