Abington Memorial Hospital's Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery Information Sessions Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?
To see if you are a candidate, we can schedule you for an information session, which is a group class that explains the surgical process for gastric bypass. Please see the Ideas for Healthier Living calendar on our website for current dates, or call the center at 215-441-6800.
How long is the information session, and what does it cost?
The presentation is free and approximately one hour, followed by a question and answer session. The presenter will answer as many questions as she can, so the entire class may be one-and-a-half to two hours. This is a good way to gather information and decide if surgical weight loss is the right choice for you.
May I bring someone to the seminar and to future appointments in the office?
Your are welcome to bring a friend or relative to any and all of your visits in the process leading up to your weight loss surgery.
Will a doctor/surgeon be at the seminar?
One of the surgeons may be at the meeting if his or her time permits. However, the presenter is a seasoned clinician who works in the Institute.
How do I find out if my insurance will pay for my weight loss surgery?
You can call your insurance company to check if your benefits will cover bariatric treatment, (treatment for weight loss), and what procedures it will cover (gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, etc). You may also want to check with your employer to see if this procedure is excluded from your insurance policy.
How soon can I see the surgeon after the weight loss surgery information session?
The next step in the process will be explained at the seminar, but your next appointment will be with the registered nurse coordinator who will determine your candidacy for surgery. If you are a candidate, you will be scheduled for an appointment with the surgeon for consultation.
How soon will I have weight loss surgery?
The total process can take up to six months, depending on your commitment and other factors such as insurance criteria, which will be explained at the information session.
