Your Questions, Welcome.

Bariatric surgery is a tool for weight loss. It controls hunger, reduces appetite, increases satiety and makes you feel full after a smaller meal. It also changes hormonal signals and can improve metabolic health. Surgery works alongside nutrition, activity and continued medical follow-up to support substantial, long-term weight loss. Individual responses vary, and your team helps you adjust the plan as your health and needs change.

As with any surgery, there are operative and long-term risks to discuss with your doctor. Dr. Ganta brings experience caring for more than 6,000 bariatric patients, with careful preparation and follow-up. Possible risks include bleeding; leakage from staple or suture lines; anesthesia or medication complications; blood clots; infection; lung problems; injury to other organs; band slippage or erosion for adjustable bands; and gallstones. Some procedures also carry risks of reflux, ulcers, narrowing or nutritional deficiencies. Your surgeon explains the risks that apply to your proposed operation and health.

Basic blood work, an EKG and a chest X-ray are common. Testing varies between patients. Further testing may include additional blood tests, endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal imaging, a sleep study, cardiology evaluation or monitoring studies to investigate reflux. Your team coordinates the tests needed for your medical evaluation and insurance requirements.

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and TRICARE, cover bariatric surgery when their criteria are met. Coverage varies by plan, and most plans have their own requirements. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is treatment for obesity and related health conditions. Our Insurance Concierge helps review your benefits, required records and authorization steps so you understand the proposed plan and expected patient costs.

Many patients describe feeling better, becoming more active and wishing they had started sooner. You will adjust portions and food choices as you recover. Patients who have laparoscopic procedures may return to many normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on the procedure and their recovery. Your surgeon gives you personal guidance for work, driving, exercise and lifting. Hear directly from NuSelf patients about their experiences.

Immediately after surgery you will follow a specific eating plan to allow healing and adjustment of your digestive tract. Instructions vary by procedure, so follow the plan your surgical team gives you. You may follow a modified diet for about six weeks; many patients return to regular solid foods between six weeks and three months. Long-term habits, adequate protein, hydration and the recommended supplements remain important. Our dietitian and follow-up team help make these changes practical for everyday life.

If your insurance includes bariatric surgery, our team helps you understand the requirements and expected costs. If self-pay is appropriate, ask about comprehensive procedure packages and financing options. A written estimate explains your proposed treatment and coordinated care so you can plan with confidence. Financing approval and repayment terms depend on the provider and your application.

Many people who choose metabolic and bariatric surgery have already made meaningful changes to their eating and activity and still struggle to lose weight or maintain the loss. Surgery changes more than portions: it can influence hunger, fullness, gut hormones and blood sugar regulation. Your evaluation considers what you have tried, your health and which treatment could help you move forward.

Gastric sleeve, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, SADI-S, duodenal switch and selected other approaches have different benefits and commitments. Your weight history, metabolic health, reflux, previous operations, nutrition, goals and support all matter. Meet with Dr. Ganta or Dr. Panjwani to discuss a personalized plan. If you are beginning to compare treatments, Your Best Weight Loss Option is a 60-second starting point for that conversation.