Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery at Advanced Weight Solutions
Seminar Information
What is the content of this seminar?
The information that is presented at this seminar gives you a realistic picture of the road ahead in the event that you choose weight-loss surgery. Former patients share their stories, a surgeon from the Kane Center will discuss the benefits and risks of weight-loss surgery, and answer questions about the process that leads to a new life of freedom.
When is the next seminar?
Please refer to our seminar schedule.
How do I get to the seminar?
View directions to seminar.
Do I have to attend a seminar? I've been to other center's seminars.
Yes, you must attend one of our seminars. Presentations from other programs can contain different information. Ours are very thorough and prepares you for taking the next step.
Introductory Medical Appointment: Comprehensive Medical Weight Management
What does this appointment involve?
This is a comprehensive examination that will determine your best weight-loss option. The Alexian Brothers team will perform important screenings for conditions such as diabetes, sleep disorders, and high blood pressure which are common among overweight people. This visit is covered by most insurance plans.
Where do I come for this visit?
This office is in Elgin, conveniently located near St. Alexius Medical Center and Suburban Surgical Care Specialists Kane Center in Hoffman Estates.
Introductory Surgical Appointment: Kane Center Surgeons
How much experience do these surgeons have in weight loss/bariatric surgery?
The surgeons of the Kane Center have been performing bariatric surgery for a combined total of over 45 years. Their knowledge and expertise are unprecedented, and they have performed an estimated 10,000 weight-loss surgeries since the inception of the practice. In fact, their knowledge has earned the program recognition as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Who are the weight-loss surgeons?
Dr. James Kane, Jr., Dr. Peter Rantis, Jr., Dr. Paul Guske, Dr. Jonathan Wallace
Weight Management: Non-Surgical Options
What are my weight loss options if I don't want, or don't qualify for surgery?
Our team includes health care practitioners that are specialized in weight-management issues. Whether you need assistance with nutritional information, making behavioral changes, or need to incorporate physical activity into your routine, you have come to the right place. Depending on your individual needs, a plan will be tailored just for you.
What if my BMI doesn't qualify me for surgery, but I still need to lose weight?
Many people are just like you! Many need to lose weight, but just don't know where to start. At Alexian Brothers Advanced Weight Solutions, we tailor a program to your individual needs.
How will weight loss help my health improve?
Weight loss has shown to dramatically improve joint pain, sleep apnea, type II diabetes and high blood pressure in many people.
Can I get long-term support to ensure weight-loss maintenance?
Yes. Changing a lifetime of behaviors is not easy and doesn't happen overnight. Our team will work with you to provide the education and support you need along the way.
My child is overweight. Can you help?
Yes, we can help. Our team is ready to tailor a plan specifically for your child's needs.
Do you prescribe weight loss medications?
When appropriate, weight-loss medications are used in conjunction with healthy eating, physical activity and the behavioral changes needed for long-term success.
What areas of expertise are offered in your medical management program?
Medical weight management, nutritional counseling, behavioral counseling, and exercise instruction are all offered by this comprehensive team.
Weight Management: Surgical Options
What types of weight loss surgeries are performed?
The Kane Center performs laparoscopic procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. Learn more about services at the Kane Center.
How do I choose the procedure that's best for me?
This decision needs to be made carefully. Your long-term success will depend on matching your lifestyle with the appropriate surgical intervention. When you attend the seminar, the benefits and risks of each procedure will be presented. You should discuss your preference at your consultation with the surgeon.
What is the risk of weight loss surgery?
With every surgery there are risks, but our surgeons have been performing bariatric surgery for a combined total of over 45 years. Their knowledge and expertise are unprecedented, and they have performed an estimated 10,000 weight loss surgeries since the inception of the practice. The risks of surgery will be discussed with you at your consultation with the surgeon. The Kane Center has one of the highest patient success rates and the lowest mortality rate in the U.S.
Is the surgery done laparoscopically or open?
Ninety-five percent of our procedures are done laparoscopically. However, your surgeon will discuss your situation with you at your consultation.
Do you do revision surgery?
Yes, we do. We can help you if you've had weight-loss surgery in the past that has not been successful. We perform the StomaphyX procedure as well as other revisional surgeries and procedures.
Can I speak with former patients?
Yes. A referral list of patients is included in the packet of information you will receive when you attend our seminar.
Weight Management: Surgical Criteria
What are your criteria for having weight loss surgery?
We follow the basic criteria for weight-loss surgery established by the National Health Institute. Guidelines include:
- Patients with a BMI (body mass index) greater or equal to 40
- Patients with a BMI greater than 35 and weight-related medical conditions
- Documentation of numerous attempts at weight loss
Many insurance providers also require a period of medically-supervised weight management, with which our team of specialists can also assist you.
How do I calculate my own BMI?
We have a great tool to help you calculate your BMI.
Do you have age limits for the surgery?
Our program currently performs surgery on adults generally ranging from 18-65 years of age. Children and adolescents can be seen by the medical team of Alexian Brothers Advanced Weight Solutions.
Weight Management: Lap Banding Procedure
I've had or I'm having adjustable gastric band surgery in Mexico. Will you do the fills for me?
The safest option is to have fills performed by the surgeon that implants the band. If this is not possible for you, please meet with one of our surgeons to discuss your situation.
How much is a fill?
Please discuss the cost of fills with the surgeon's office at your consult visit. The price may vary depending on the possible need of having the fill performed under fluoroscopy (special x-ray).
Which surgeon is more knowledgeable/experienced with the adjustable gastric band?
All of our surgeons are very knowledgeable and experienced with the adjustable gastric band procedure.
Fast Track Program
How soon can I have surgery?
You may qualify for Fast Track, which means you could have the surgery within 30 days from your consultation appointment. That can be determined when you come in for a consultation.
I started with another bariatric center and I have changed my mind. What is the next step?
You may qualify for Fast Track, which means you could have the surgery within 30 days from your consultation appointment. That can be determined when you come in for a consultation.
Diet and Nutrition
How much less will I eat?
Initially, you will eat about two to four ounces per meal. This will increase gradually over time.
What kind of diet am I on right after surgery?
You will have extensive dietary instruction prior to surgery. Patients initially begin with liquids in the hospital and advance their diets according to guidelines reviewed with the dietitian.
Can I still drink soda/alcohol?
The dietitian will cover this information with you.
Typical Weight Loss
How can I lose weight with these procedures?
The surgery is designed to reduce the amount of food you take in. Because your stomach will be smaller, you will naturally eat less and feel satisfied more quickly. Your appetite will be reduced. Because you eat less, you will lose weight.
How fast can I lose weight?
It depends on your metabolism and the procedure that you receive. Generally, with gastric bypass, you can lose from 20-30% of your excess body weight in three months and up to 60-70% of your excess weight after one year. The weight loss following adjustable gastric banding is more gradual, but is still beneficial to your overall health. More information can be provided at your consultation visit with the surgeon.
Once I reach my goal weight, how can I stop losing weight?
Once you reach your goal weight, you will work with a dietitian to help adjust your eating plan to balance calorie intake with your body requirements until your weight stabilizes.
Post-Op Concerns
How long before I can return to work after surgery?
Time away from work depends on the type of surgery performed and generally ranges from 1 to 4 weeks.
How soon after weight-loss surgery can I get pregnant?
We recommend that you wait at least 2 years, or until your weight has stabilized, to get pregnant. This is a topic that you should discussed with your surgeon and primary doctor.
Weight Maintenance
Will I have to watch my weight forever?
Yes, the surgery will help you manage your food intake. You will still need to make a commitment to a healthy eating plan and lifestyle in order to enjoy long-term success. The Alexian Brothers Advanced Weight Solutions team can help with those aspects long term.
Cost Issues
What is the cost of weight loss surgery if I'm paying cash?
We have a package price for adjustable gastric band, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and StomaphyX that includes hospital, surgeon, and anesthesia costs. The Kane Center works with financing companies to provide loans to qualified applicants. The hospital also has very reduced pricing for cash payment options for these procedures. For specific cost questions, please attend a seminar and speak to a Kane Center insurance specialist.
Insurance
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Every insurance policy is different, but we can work with your insurance company to see that you get the maximum coverage that you're entitled to. Often, insurance companies require medically supervised weight loss prior to approval. Our program can provide these services.
What insurance do you take?
Our hospitals and surgeons accept most major insurance. If you are enrolled in an HMO, you will need a referral from your primary care physican.
What if my insurance company tells me that this surgery is not covered?
Let our insurance specialists work with you to determine your benefits since insurance coverage is constantly changing.
Do I need to get medical history reports from my primary care physician before I see your doctor?
No, you don't. If you have records, please include them with your paperwork. Otherwise, our bariatric department will obtain them for you. You will need to sign a release form so we can obtain your records from your doctor.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
Yes, a referral is always good. If your doctor would like a template letter, one can be provided.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we accept Medicare. Both hospitals and the Kane Center have been designated as Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Support Groups
Do you have support groups?
Yes, we have support groups. Prior to surgery, all patients are required to follow a program designed to help with the adjustment towards healthier eating and lifestyle. We also have pre-and-post- surgery support groups for the different procedures.
Can I attend your support group if I had surgery somewhere else?
You are welcome to attend our support groups. However, be aware that the information presented may be different from what you were told by that other program.
Locations
At what hospitals do the surgeons perform weight loss surgery?
Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, IL
St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, IL
Where are the surgeons located?
The Kane Center main office is located in Hoffman Estates, IL. They also have an offices in Arlington Heights, IL and at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Wimmer Plaza in Elk Grove Village, IL. View all of our locations.
