Frequently asked Questions
Risks | Surgeons and Staff
Frequently asked Questions | What is Bariatric Surgery?
How do I get into the Bariatric Surgery?
Access to the program begins with a 2 hour initial office visit scheduled by calling (518) 897-2531. During this visit you will be educated on Bariatric Surgery and you will see a Bariatric Center provider for a comprehensive physical examination and assessment.
What happens after I go to my first office visit?
The Program staff performs a comprehensive assessment of your health prior to the surgery. You will be scheduled for a series of evaluation appointments. The four appointments which are necessary include: a history and physical with an office provider, a mental health screening, a dietary evaluation and a physical therapy evaluation. Also, you will be given a list of lab tests (blood tests) and possibly other tests that need to be done before surgery, such as a sleep study, x-rays, a pulmonary function test and others. The amount of diagnostic testing to be done will be determined at your first office visit.
Will insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Most insurance companies do provide coverage for weight loss surgery. However, each insurance company has its own policy regarding this. If you decide to go ahead with surgery, the first thing that we ask our patients to do it to call their insurance company to find out whether they cover weight loss surgery. Other questions to ask your insurance company are: Is surgery covered at Adirondack Medical Center? Is Dr. Michael Hill in the insurance companies network of providers? Is a dietary consultation a covered service? You will also want to contact your insurance company when you need to have certain diagnostic testing done as you are in the program. Please be familiar with your policy and provide us with the referral forms and other information necessary to help you.
Are there special instructions for the weeks and months before my surgery?
Yes, if you are a smoker, we will insist that you quit smoking for 8 weeks before surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications. Your urine will be checked before surgery to ensure that you indeed have quit smoking. Please keep in mind, if you don't follow this advice, your surgery will be cancelled. Smokers run the risk of needing ventilator support in the Intensive Care Unit following surgery. If you're having trouble quitting, let us know so we can help.
Patients who take aspirin or special non-steroidal drugs for arthritis or joint pain must stop these one week before surgery. These medications interfere with blood clotting and patients can bleed heavily after surgery. Likewise, many effects of herbal medications are unknown and it is recommended these be stopped three weeks prior to surgery, especially St. John's Wort, Gingko Biloba, and Ginseng.
Exercise is an excellent idea before surgery. It helps you prevent complications after your operation. Walking is the best. Start small. We know how hard exercise is for people who suffer obesity. Give yourself realistic goals. For example, for someone who does no activity, it is reasonable to walk a total of a mile in a month. Not all at once, but added up at the end of the month, you will have walked a mile. Just start! If you are severely limited to activity, we can provide a physical therapy referral for you for pre operative conditioning. Just ask us and we will help!
What is the pre-admission teaching session?
You are required to attend the pre-admission teaching session within the two weeks before your surgery. This is the time you will be given all the information you need about what will happen on the day of surgery and during your hospitalization. We will also cover what to expect after surgery when you return home. Any additional tests may be completed at this time. You will meet with nurses at the hospital who lead the group. At this meeting you will find out when to come to the hospital and what to bring with you.
What can I expect the day of my surgery?
You will be given instructions that include not eating or drinking after midnight the night before surgery, although you can use a small amount of water to brush your teeth. You may also receive specific instructions regarding medications either the night before or the morning of surgery.
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AMC is accredited by the Joint Commission. Click here to view the Joint Commission Public Notice. |
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AMC is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. |
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Adirondack Medical Center's Bariatric Program and Dr. Michael Hill have been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. |
