FAQ
How do I decide which surgery is right for me?
Can I select my surgeon?
Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery?
How many appointments do I need prior to surgery?
- Surgeon consultation
- Registered Dietitian consultation
- Exercise Physiologist consultation
- Psychological evaluation
Your insurance company may require a surgical preparatory program for three to six months prior to surgery. If this is required by your plan, we will schedule these visits and work with you to complete them.
What kind of medical testing is required before surgery?
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Gastric Sleeve surgery requires an overnight stay. You will typically go home the following morning. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital.
Gastric Bypass surgery is performed at the hospital, on an inpatient basis. Patients will typically spend one to two nights in the hospital before going home.
How long does the operation take?
Where will my surgery be performed?
- Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
- Evergreen Health Medical Center in Kirkland.
Can I attend weight loss surgery support groups before surgery?
Can I follow up with your office if I had surgery with another practice?
You will be asked to provide your medical records from your original bariatric surgery and fill out a current medical history. Our surgeons will review your records, and call you to let you know if you have been accepted as a patient with our practice.
What is BLIS?
BLISCare is surgical-complication-protection insurance, which is available exclusively to those surgeons who meet BLIS underwriting standards. BLIS surgeons are an elite group of providers who are selected based on experience and low complication rates. We are proud to be BLIS surgeons.
Why do I need to lose weight in the two weeks before surgery?
How long will I be off work after weight loss surgery?
- Lapband – We typically recommend taking three to five days off work.
- Gastric Sleeve – We typically recommend taking seven days off work.
- Gastric Bypass – We typically recommend taking fourteen days off work.
Will weight loss surgery work for me if I am an emotional eater?
How much weight will I lose?
What will my long term diet be like?
Our Registered Dietitians will provide you with nutritional education customized for you depending on the surgery you chose.
Recommended
- Normal foods in smaller portions.
- Protein.
- Vegetables.
- Chew slowly.
- Eat to the point of comfort, and then stop.
Avoid
- Processed foods (such as bread, rice, pasta, chips, cereals, crackers etc.).
- Liquid calories.
- Eating fast.
- Sugar
We highly recommend scheduling routine visits with your Registered Dietitian.
Why do you lose your appetite after weight loss surgery?
Will I lose hair?
Will I be able to get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Can I have weight loss surgery if I smoke or use nicotine?
What is laparoscopic surgery?
How do you adjust the gastric band?
What about insurance? Take the first step:
See if our services are covered by your insurance. Call 425.224.8200 You can also chat with us online below.
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Being in my mid-50s, change is not something I undertake casually. I had LAP-BAND® surgery with Dr. Michaelson in 2011 because I knew it was time to prioritize my health. My insurance covered the procedure, and I was able to lose 50 pounds in the first eight months. Unfortunately, by 2017, I had gained back all of the weight, plus some. I was still determined to win my lifelong battle with obesity and returned to Dr. Michaelson for a second procedure. This time I had a gastric sleeve revision, which I paid for out of pocket, so you know I believe in my surgeon! To date, I have lost 64 pounds, and I am continuing to slowly lose.
The revision was by far the best decision I have ever made for myself. I feel absolutely amazing! I traveled from Alaska for surgery on a Tuesday and flew home on Friday.
I was back at work on Monday with no issues at all. I’m loving life post-revision!