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BMI Calculator

Height: ft in
Weight: lbs

Results: kg/m²

What does your BMI mean?

BMI 18-24

= Normal Weight

BMI 25-29

= Overweight

BMI 30-34

= Moderate Obesity

BMI 35-39

= Severe Obesity

BMI > 40

= Morbid Obesity

Our Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery Center Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

At the Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery, we are committed to performing weight loss procedures that enable our patients to experience healthier, longer lives. We are also dedicated to educating our patients so that they have the information they need to proceed with bariatric surgery and make the lifestyle changes that are required after treatment.

We provide detailed information at our monthly symposiums and through our Bariatric University program. The list below includes general answers to the questions and concerns that we hear most regularly. For further information, please contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery practice near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

• Does bariatric surgery work?
• I'm worried about the risks of bariatric surgery.
• What are the routine tests before surgery?
• Will my insurance cover the procedure?
• How can I find out if my policy covers the surgery?
• Can I start the process before I schedule my appointment with Dr. Kim?
• How do I start living my life again?

Does bariatric surgery work?

Most patients at our practice have heard that these operations work. However, because they have failed numerous diet attempts they are concerned that bariatric surgery will fail as well.

The basis of all bariatric operations is to put a mechanism into place that is a constant reminder that eating behaviors have to change. Whether it is immediately after surgery or 10 years after treatment, these operations limit the amount of food a patient can eat and also remind the patient that wise dietary choices should be made.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery, healthy eating habits, and moderate exercise have led to a successful formula for more than a thousand patients at our practice. We invite you to read success stories that some of our patients have shared of their results after bariatric surgery.

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I'm worried about the risks of bariatric surgery.

All surgical procedures, whether bariatric or otherwise, have some level of risk. Each laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedure that we offer has different benefits and risks that are associated with it. Dr. David Kim and our staff will make sure that you are fully informed of these benefits and risks. We are one of the few laparoscopic weight loss surgery centers in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas area to be honored as a “Center of Excellence.” Our practice has established this national recognition because we have some of the most effective results and lowest complication rates in the country.

The dangers of living with the chronic disease of obesity hold greater risk than surgery. Morbid obesity will shorten one's life as well as diminish the quality of one's life.

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What are the routine tests before surgery?

All patients must undergo a psychological evaluation prior to undergoing bariatric surgery with the LAP-BAND® System, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, or gastric sleeve resection. In addition we require a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, PT, PTT (to check your blood clotting time), urinalysis to include urine nicotine, along with type- and cross-matching your blood. We will perform a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG).

In addition to the routine lab work and tests, you may need additional studies such as a sleep study, EGD, echocardiogram, or stress test for cardiac clearance.

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Will my insurance cover the procedure?

It depends on your employer and the plan you have chosen. The plan your employer chooses will dictate if this procedure is a covered benefit when medically necessary or if this procedure is excluded on your particular policy.

We know that many patients are worried about paying for their treatment and that these financial concerns can add stress to their lives as they plan for weight loss surgery. We are committed to providing convenient and affordable financing options and we will also work to help you obtain approval from your insurance company. Melissa and Kathy are our insurance experts, and they have enabled many of our patients to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to. Contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery center near Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas for more information about financing.

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How can I find out if my policy covers the surgery?

Call the customer service number on your card and ask them if gastric bypass surgery or adjustable gastric banding is a covered benefit if medically necessary. The diagnosis code is 278.01. Gastric bypass procedure codes: 43644 laparoscopic, 43846 open; adjustable gastric banding procedure code: 43770.

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Can I start the process before I schedule my appointment with Dr. Kim?

Yes, you can complete the patient history packet and start collecting the following documentation:

• Five-year weight history
• Physician office notes that document a physician’s supervised weight loss program to include low calorie diet with evaluation by a dietician, increased physical activity plan, behavior modifications, and monthly weights. Each insurance company has different requirements for the length of this program –usually six or twelve months.
• Letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician.
• Recent lab work or studies that document your comorbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea).

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How do I start living my life again?

We look forward to meeting you and helping you start on the path to a new life. Contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery center near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas to schedule your free appointment to meet Dr. Kim.

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