It would help if you prepared for weight-loss surgery. Whether robotic or laparoscopic, it is essential to engage in a lifestyle program that will enlighten you about the surgery. The agenda will cover expected results, potential side effects, and life after the operation. Remember, your life will never be the same again after surgery.

For those who smoke, you should quit smoking at least three months before the surgery. Smoking can delay wound healing, which increases the risk of wound infection. If you are excessively overweight, your physician may advise you to lose some pounds before bariatric surgery. Here, you will get a recommended diet plan and an exercise routine to help you.

After bariatric surgery, expect to lose approximately 60% of your extra weight. For sleeve gastrectomy robotic surgery, patients should expect to lose 50-70% of the excess body weight. However, the results will significantly depend on your lifestyle after the surgery.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer because everyone is different. There are a lot of factors that play into weight loss: activity level, food choices, portion sizes, starting weight, gender, etc.

With the robotic system, patients get a safe and accurate weight loss operation. The robotic system features a high magnification camera with 3D view which provides the surgeon with better optics during the procedure. The robot also features wristed instruments which allows the surgeon to be more precise and controlled during the procedure with increased range of motion. As such, there is a reduced risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Compared to conventional laparoscopic weight loss surgery, robotic surgery will likely offer you more potential benefits. You are likely to enjoy quicker recovery, lower infection rates, a shorter period in the hospital, reduced scarring and pain, and a lower risk of surgical complications. Even more, you are likely to return to your routine sooner.

Once you have turned in all the paperwork requested by your program specialist and met all the criteria, we will apply for insurance authorization. Once your insurance provider receives your paperwork, they have 30 days to review it and make a decision. It doesn’t always take the full 30 days, but it does frequently take one to two weeks.

If your prior authorization request is denied, we will do our best to appeal to get you approved. If your surgery is not covered by your insurance, Baton Rouge General has partnered with Bayou Federal Credit Union to offer financial options to help handle the costs of your surgery.

Our team can help navigate your financial questions and help work with your insurance company to see if your surgery is covered.

Life after bariatric surgery should be different. Therefore, it is wise to adopt a healthier lifestyle. You need to eat small meals (3 meals per day), avoid snacking, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, and most importantly, exercise regularly.

You can leave the program at any time if you decide not to proceed. You can also change your mind about which surgery to have, but please keep in mind, if we have already sent off your paperwork, this change will require us to resubmit to insurance and could delay your surgery date.

Most patients recover after 2 to 3 weeks. However, some patients may take up to 5 weeks to heal. All in all, resting is highly recommended to quicken the healing process. You also need to walk around and stretch a bit to allow perfect blood circulation.

Consider consuming nutritious meals as advised by your dietitian. After healing, you should gradually start exercising, but make sure you do it in moderation to avoid putting too much pressure on your stomach.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy cannot be reversed as a portion of the stomach is completely removed from the body. The Gastric Bypass can be reversed under special circumstances. A Gastric Band can be removed if previously placed.