Bariatric FAQ · Newnan, GA
Weight loss surgery FAQ.
Straight answers to the questions patients ask most, grouped by topic. Still unsure? Call (470) 742-1832 or book a consultation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Roger Eduardo, MD, FASMBS, Board-Certified General Surgeon. Last reviewed August 2026.
Book a consultation →Candidacy & BMI
- Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
- Current ASMBS and IFSO guidelines recommend surgery at a BMI of 35 or higher regardless of other conditions, and consider it at a BMI of 30 to 34.9 with metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes. These 2022 guidelines replaced the 1991 NIH criteria. Many commercial plans continue to use older coverage thresholds such as a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with an obesity-related condition. Traditional Medicare is different: it requires a BMI of 35 or higher, at least one obesity-related condition, and documented prior unsuccessful medical treatment for obesity. Clinical eligibility and insurance coverage are not the same question, and we check both. However, candidacy is determined on an individual basis after a full medical evaluation, psychological assessment, and nutritional consultation. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eduardo.
- What BMI do I need for weight loss surgery?
- Generally a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with an obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension. Newer guidelines also recognize a BMI of 30 or higher with serious metabolic disease. Candidacy is confirmed individually (source: ASMBS/IFSO 2022 guidelines).
- Is there an age limit for bariatric surgery?
- There's no strict age cutoff. Adults across a wide age range have surgery safely; what matters is overall health and surgical fitness rather than age alone. Dr. Eduardo evaluates each patient individually.
Procedures
- What is the difference between the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?
- The gastric sleeve (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) removes approximately 80% of the stomach to reduce hunger hormones and limit intake; it is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the U.S. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestine, producing stronger metabolic effects and superior results for severe acid reflux and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Eduardo will recommend the most appropriate procedure after reviewing your complete medical history.
- What is the SADI-S procedure?
- SADI-S (Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve) combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a single-loop intestinal bypass. It is designed for patients with higher BMIs (typically 50+) or severe metabolic disease who need stronger results than a sleeve alone, but with fewer complications than a traditional duodenal switch. It is one of the newer ASMBS-endorsed procedures.
- Do you place adjustable gastric bands?
- No. Adjustable gastric bands are rarely chosen today. We focus on safe band removal and conversion to a sleeve or bypass for patients with band complications, covered on our revision surgery page.
Sleeve vs. bypass
- Which is better, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?
- It depends on your profile. The sleeve is simpler and suits most patients; bypass produces somewhat greater average weight loss and is preferred for significant reflux or type 2 diabetes. See our full sleeve-vs-bypass comparison. Individual results vary.
Cost & insurance
- Is bariatric surgery covered by my insurance?
- Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover bariatric surgery when you meet medical criteria. Our team handles pre-authorizations, letters of medical necessity, and insurance paperwork on your behalf. Use our insurance verification form to get started, or call our office and we'll check your coverage same day.
- Do you offer financing for patients without insurance coverage?
- Yes. We offer competitive self-pay pricing and financing through Cherry, including 0% APR options for those who qualify, for patients who do not have insurance coverage or whose plan does not cover bariatric surgery. Contact our office for transparent pricing details.
Results & expectations
- How much weight can I expect to lose?
- Results vary by procedure and individual. On average: gastric sleeve patients lose 60–70% of excess body weight in the first year; gastric bypass patients lose 70–80%. Long-term success is strongly supported by our nutrition follow-up program and patient support community. Dr. Eduardo will give you personalized expectations at your consultation.
Recovery & lifestyle
- What is the recovery time after bariatric surgery?
- Most patients are discharged the day after surgery. The majority return to desk work within 1–2 weeks and resume full activity by 4–6 weeks. Because we use minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques, incisions are small and post-operative pain is typically well-controlled.
- Will I need to follow a special diet after surgery?
- Yes. All bariatric patients follow a staged diet (liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and finally solid foods) over the first 6–8 weeks. Long-term, you will need to prioritize protein, stay well-hydrated, and take lifelong vitamin supplements. The nutritionists we work with provide individualized guidance from your first visit through every follow-up.
Risks & revision
- What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
- Bariatric surgery is major surgery and carries risks, including bleeding, infection, leaks, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. The risk of death is about 0.1%, and the risk of any complication is about 4%, varying by procedure and by your own health (ASMBS, 2025). Dr. Eduardo will walk you through the specific risk profile of each procedure during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
- What happens if I regain weight after surgery?
- Some weight regain is possible, especially without ongoing lifestyle support. If significant regain occurs, revisional bariatric surgery (such as a sleeve-to-bypass conversion) may be an option. Dr. Eduardo specializes in revisional procedures and will evaluate your specific situation to determine the safest, most effective next step.
Prefer to start without surgery?
Medical weight loss & GLP-1
A physician-supervised, non-surgical program, with a clear path to surgery later if it becomes the better fit.
Explore medical weight lossReflux questions too?
Heartburn & GERD surgery
Gastric bypass resolves reflux in most patients, and a hiatal hernia can be repaired in the same operation by one foregut surgeon.
About heartburn & reflux surgeryStart your journey
Still have a question?
Book a consultation with Dr. Eduardo, every answer here is reviewed by the surgeon who will care for you.
