What if my insurance has a direct exclusion regarding the surgical treatment of obesity?
If this is found to be the case, we offer a variety of options including financing.

Are there certain types of insurance SWLC does not accept?
Unfortunately, we are not taking any new Medicare, Medicaid (DSHS), Molina, Basic Health, Champus, Tricare or Champus VA patients.

Will my insurance cover this?
Every policy is different. After attending your initial consultation and learning about the risks and benefits of the available procedures, SWLC will verify your specific policy to determine benefit coverage.

How can payments for the operation be made?
Payments usually need to be made before the surgery. Credit card payments are accepted.

What if my insurance has a direct exclusion regarding the surgical treatment of obesity?
If this is found to be the case, we offer a variety of options including financing.

What do you do in the event of a denial?
You can appeal, pay privately, or change insurance plans if possible.

Are you preferred providers with any insurance plans?
Yes, there are several plans that we participate as preferred providers.

How long does the work-up process take?
It is difficult to say how long this will take due to a variety of factors, but as the work-up process begins, we can provide you with a reasonable time frame of when your surgery can be scheduled.

Is there a waiting list for surgery?
Yes. We are booked at least one month in advance. But if there is a reason why you need to have surgery by a certain date, this can be discussed with the scheduling medical person.

If patients come in from out-of-state, how long do they need to stay?
Approximately 10-14 days, which includes your attendance at a discussion group with SWLC (usually the day before surgery), your hospital stay, and your one-week post-op appointment.

Is there an age requirement for surgery?
Generally, this matter is addressed on a case-by-case basis. However, if a person is under 18 years of age, clearance by their Pediatrician or Primary Care Physician is required.

Why is a psychological evaluation part of the work-up process?
A pre-surgical psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist is required as part of the work-up process.  Often it is required by the facility, as well as some insurance companies. The purpose is to ensure your compliance and mental well-being after the procedure.

How do I locate a surgeon in my area?
We have performed surgery on patients who reside outside Washington. However, if you prefer to locate a surgeon in your area, please visit the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) website for more information.

Where are the procedures performed?
Our procedures are performed at Auburn Regional Medical Center in Auburn, Washington. 

What are the risks for surgery?
The risk is about the same as for morbidly obese patients undergoing gallbladder surgery. Approximately 2 in 1000 of all morbidly obese patients fail to survive after surgery.

Also, the gastric pouch or its outlet may enlarge or the staple-line may be disrupted if diet guidelines are not followed, meaning that, in time, the patient can eat more and gain back the original, or greater, weight. Should this occur, re-operation is an option.

Can the new stomach stretch?
Yes. But not significantly, unless frequent vomiting or overeating occurs.

How long is the scar?
The open procedure gastric bypass & vertical banded gastroplasty scar is vertical. It’s usually from just below the breast line to just above the belly button. In a laparoscopic procedure, there are 4-5 keyhole incision scars.

How long will I be in the hospital?
An “open procedure” hospital stay is usually 2-3 days. With a “laparoscopic” procedure, the hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours.

How long is the recovery?
Six weeks of no strenuous activities. Most office and routine work can be resumed in 10-14 days. If you have a non-strenuous job, you can go back to work in two to three weeks with the approval of our medical staff.

How long do gastric bypass patients and adjustable gastric band patients stay on liquids?
Four weeks. Then they can move on to puréed foods, and then on to solid foods.

How long will I have to take protein, vitamins & minerals?
For the rest of your life. You'll also need to pay careful attention to your protein intake and use the vitamins and minerals that we have suggested.

Along with your very important vitamins, minerals and proteins, sufficient water and exercise are also vital to your success and continued good health. If you have any questions about protein and vitamins or any other aspect of healthy nutrition for gastric bypass patients, please call us at (253) 472-9850.

Why do I have to drink water?
Water will help with your weight loss and help with the elasticity of your skin (tightening it up).

What happens if I eat too much?
You will vomit. When you start to feel full, you should stop eating.

I've had an obesity operation. I lost a lot of weight but some of it has come back. Can something be done?
Patients with this problem come to us from around the country. We can usually help, though surgery is sometimes required.

Can I obtain follow-up care from SWLC if I had surgery with another surgeon?
We are happy to provide follow-up care for patients that have had their obesity surgery performed elsewhere.  This includes band adjustments, follow-up appointments, and/or an aftercare program to jump start your weight loss, if you have not lost as many pounds as you would like following obesity surgery.   

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact our office.

Do out-of-state patients need to come back for check-ups in the office?
It would be ideal to come back for a check-up at least once a year, but it is not absolutely necessary. We would like for our out-of-state patients to call in once a month for follow-up. We require all patients to have a primary doctor with whom your care will be coordinated.