Q: Am I A Candidate for bariatric surgery?
A: Please refer to “Am I A Candidate” on website.
Q: Does my insurance cover the procedure?
A: Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery but specific requirements will vary with each provider. Please refer to “Insurance and Payment Options” on our website along with your insurance carrier.
Q: Does Dr. Suh accept my insurance?
A: Dr. Suh is a provider for most PPO insurance companies and several HMO plans. Please contact your insurance provider or our office to check if he is a preferred provider with your plan.
Q: Is there a good age at which to have this surgery?
A: Patients ages 18-65 are typically good years for weight loss surgery. However, patients younger than 18 or older than 65 may have special circumstances requiring additional pre-operative testing to determine the safety of having general anesthesia. This will be discussed in detail with you at your consultation.
Q: After my consultation, how soon can I have surgery?
A: It depends on your insurance carrier, their surgery requirements and how quickly you complete all of Dr. Suh’s requirements.
This will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation. See also Pathway to Surgery
Q: Why do I need to attend Dr. Suh’s seminar if I have already participated in one from another physician or program?
A: After years of research and exceptional outcomes, Dr. Suh has established a philosophy for success for weight-loss surgery (WLS) patients. He will discuss his protocol and philosophy in detail so all his patients will have the opportunity to benefit from his years of experience.
Q: What are the hospitals where Dr. Suh operates?
A: This depends on your insurance coverage. Dr. Suh has privileges at Southwest Healthcare (Inland Valley Hospital) Loma Linda Murrieta and Pomerado Hospital.
Q: How long will my procedure be?
A: Surgical time for a Sleeve or Gastric Bypass is 45-55 minutes. Adding time for anesthesia, you will be in the operating room about 90 minutes.
Q: How long will I be in the hospital after surgery?
A: The typical hospital stay after either bariatric procedure is 2 nights.
Q: Are there any physical restrictions after surgery?
A:You will not be able to lift anything over 15 pounds for the first three to four weeks following surgery.
Q: How much time will I need to take off from work?
A: Depending on your requirements, most patients take 2-4 weeks off of work to recover. Dr. Suh may allow you to return to work sooner but with possible restrictions.
Q: How long after surgery do I have to wait before I can exercise again?
A: Exercise is very important after surgery but be cautious for a few weeks to make sure you are well hydrated and that you are capable of increasing your exercise shortly after surgery. You may resume your regular exercise regimen without any restrictions after four weeks. If you have any questions or concerns check with Dr. Suh before increasing your activity
Q: How long after surgery do I have to wait to have sex?
A: Two to three weeks.
Q: Are all the operations done with a laparoscope?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the difference between laparoscopic and an open procedure?
A: Laparoscopic surgery involves access into the abdomen through a few small incisions rather than one large incision. The actual procedure performed inside the abdomen is identical. This means the benefit of the surgical weight-loss is the same whether it is done by the open or laparoscopic approach. The result having laparoscopic surgery is smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery.
Dr. Suh uses the laparoscopic approach on all surgeries.
For the past 5 years, 100% of our patients have had the procedure done with the laparoscope.
Q: Is laparoscopic surgery safe?
A: Laparoscopy has been around for several decades. Laparoscopy has become safer and has taken a more prominent role in surgery.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass was first performed in the early 1990s and is now fast becoming the standard of care for morbid obesity. When performed by a well-trained surgeon, laparoscopic surgery is just as safe as the open procedure. Dr. Suh is dedicated to bringing patients his expertise of being a fellowship trained laparoscopic surgeon who performs gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and multiple weight loss revision procedures, all done laparoscopically.
Q: Will the surgeon remove my gallbladder?
A: If you still have your gallbladder Dr. Suh will request an ultrasound of your abdomen prior to surgery. If the results show a diseased gall bladder Dr. Suh will recommend removing it at the same time as your bariatric procedure.
Q: Will I have hair loss after surgery? How can I prevent hair loss from happening?
A: Some of our patients do experience hair loss. Numerous metabolic changes occur after weight loss surgery and can affect your nails, skin, and hair. Taking a multivitamin, protein, eating regularly and staying hydrated is critical to minimizing your hair loss. Biotin and Inositol supplements can also help reduce hair loss.
Hair loss is often minimal and the hair usually grows back.
Consuming adequate amounts of protein and taking your vitamins will reduce the amount of hair that may be lost.
Q: Will I be able to drink alcohol again after surgery?
A: Consumption of alcohol is not recommended for at least one year after surgery. If you drink alcohol after the first year due so sparingly, avoiding carbonation (beer and champagne) and mixers which are often high in sugar.
Q: Can I drink sparkling water?
A: No, due to the carbonation.
