Frequently Asked Questions

When you take control of your weight through surgical weight loss, you take control of so much more – diabetes will improve or may be cured, your blood pressure and cholesterol improve. You have less pain in your joints, and you feel better. When you feel better, you are happier and better able to participate in daily activities. Your life can completely change.

Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program is a multi-disciplinary approach to life-changing weight loss. The program includes nutritional and mental health counseling as well as guidance on making lifestyle changes that will create a successful outcome.

Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program has achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Dr. Nwanguma has been recognized by the SRC with the Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a measure of body fat in adults based on height and weight. Normal BMI is 18.5-24.9; overweight is 25-29.9 and obesity is a BMI of 30 or greater.

Obesity may lead to several serious health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, infertility, reflux and depression.

Most patients undergo the Gastric Sleeve procedure. This is where 85 percent of the stomach is removed, converting it into a thin, narrow “sleeve” that holds less food and results in less appetite. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is used primarily for those patients diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus, a precancerous condition of the lower esophagus. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass divides the stomach to make a small reservoir pouch for food at the upper end of the stomach. The pouch has a capacity of about one ounce of food. It is connected to the small intestine. Therefore, food bypasses the larger portion of the stomach and patients experience a decreased appetite.

You may qualify for bariatric surgery if you are 75 or more pounds overweight and/or have a BMI greater than 35.

Most insurance companies cover bariatric surgery but have different requirements. For instance, some insurance policies require patients to undergo medical weight loss treatment for 6 months before surgery while others may only require a month. Our staff help each patient understand the requirements of their individual insurance policies.

Bariatric surgery, like any other surgery, carries risks. However, with advances made in medicine, bariatric surgery is no riskier than any other general surgery involving the belly area. It is safe and patients generally recover very well. Our surgery staff are highly trained and thousands of procedures have been safely performed at The Medical Center.