Advancing Medicine Chat Transcript 6-28-2011

Posted: Updated:

8:02

[Comment From Sam Sam : ]

Do most insurances cover the procedure?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:02 Sam

8:02

Hartford Hospital:

yes, please call our office to confirm with our staff. 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:02 Hartford Hospital

8:03

[Comment From Laurie Laurie : ]

do you cosider patients with Multiple sclerosis?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:03 Laurie

8:03

Hartford Hospital:

yes, please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:03 Hartford Hospital

8:04

[Comment From Richard Richard : ]

My wife has lymphoedema in both legs - they are vastly deformed from toes to thighs. Shins have dry peeling thick crusty skin, and lymphatic fluid leaks out continually. Should this be considered an emergency situation?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:04 Richard

8:04

Hartford Hospital:

please follow up with your primary care physician. I am unable to address this.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:04 Hartford Hospital

8:05

[Comment From Donna Donna : ]

Does insurance cover these procedures? I am covered by medicare & Tricare for Life

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:05 Donna

8:05

Hartford Hospital:

yes, please call our office for more information. 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:05 Hartford Hospital

8:07

[Comment From Sherry Sherry : ]

What qualifies you for the weight loss surgery ... how over weight do you have to be?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:07 Sherry

8:07

Hartford Hospital:

you need to have a body mass index, BMI, greater than 35 with two other medical conditions such as high bloodpressure, diabletes, or arthritis. Or if you have a body mass index above 40 you will qualify. please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:07 Hartford Hospital

8:09

[Comment From Sandee Sandee : ]

What is the age that this surgery can't be performed anymore?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:09 Sandee

8:09

Hartford Hospital:

youngest age is 18 for our office, 16 for pediatric surgeons, and the oldest age would be if you remain active with high quality of life. call our office for more details if needed 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:09 Hartford Hospital

8:12

[Comment From Cristal Cristal : ]

Now I tried dieting I weigh 165 I go to the gym but my weight will go down but it will go back up I just want to lose my stomach I am 411 I am 26 years old

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:12 Cristal

8:12

Hartford Hospital:

Bariatric surgery would help you to lose weight and KEEP it off. Please call our office to register for the next educational session July 12th. 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:12 Hartford Hospital

8:13

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

what surgery is recommended if you have a hiatal hernia ?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:13 Guest

8:13

Hartford Hospital:

Hiatal hernia repair. our surgeons would be happy to evaluate you. 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:13 Hartford Hospital

8:15

[Comment From Donna Donna : ]

Is there an age limit........I am 67

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:15 Donna

8:15

Hartford Hospital:

No age limit. If your body mass index is above 35 you qualify for surgery. please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:15 Hartford Hospital

8:16

[Comment From Sherry Sherry : ]

How over weight do you have to be to qualify for the surgery?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:16 Sherry

8:16

Hartford Hospital:

If your body mass index is above 35 and you have other illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoarthritis or if your body mass index is above 40 you qualify. Body mass index is calculated by your height and weight.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:16 Hartford Hospital

8:18

[Comment From John John : ]

Can a patient who has completed the process from another facility up to the surgery possibly have the surgery through this office? and if so how long of a wait would it be to have the surgery? Thank you

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:18 John

8:18

Hartford Hospital:

Yes, we would do the surgery and follow you. The length of time depends on your insurance. please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:18 Hartford Hospital

8:19

[Comment From Lynn Lynn : ]

Do you need to be severly overweight to have this surgery...I am 5'3" and 220bs, have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and wake with shortness of breath. Have thought about the surgery but not sure if i qualify

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:19 Lynn

8:19

Hartford Hospital:

yes you qualify, please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:19 Hartford Hospital

8:21

[Comment From jennifer jennifer : ]

Does insurance normally cover the cost of surgery

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:21 jennifer

8:21

Hartford Hospital:

yes, the co-pay may be different with different surgeries but usually it is covered.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:21 Hartford Hospital

8:22

[Comment From Sam Sam : ]

IIf a patient has an issue with bed wetting - is there a possibility that the procedure help with that?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:22 Sam

8:22

Hartford Hospital:

Bariatric surgery will not help

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:22 Hartford Hospital

8:23

[Comment From Cristal Cristal : ]

Am I to young for this proceedger

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:23 Cristal

8:23

Hartford Hospital:

Bariatric surgery can be done age 18 and up

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:23 Hartford Hospital

8:24

[Comment From Julie Julie : ]

can surgery still be done if you have a h hernia?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:24 Julie

8:24

Hartford Hospital:

Yes, actually the surgeons will correct the hiatal hernia during bariatric surgery.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:24 Hartford Hospital

8:25

[Comment From jennifer jennifer : ]

What is considered the safest procedure?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:25 jennifer

8:26

Hartford Hospital:

All the procedures are safe and effective, the physicians will evaluate you to decide which surgery is best for you. Our educational session can give you more details on each procedure. To register for the educational session call 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:26 Hartford Hospital

8:28

[Comment From Sandy Sandy : ]

I have a 45 yr. old mentally challenged daughter on medicaid. She weighs around 260 and is 5'5''. Her weight is causing many health problems. Do you consider any for surgery?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:28 Sandy

8:28

Hartford Hospital:

She would have to be able to follow specific eating techniques, preparation of meals, eating certain foods, be able to stay away from certain foods and be motivated to exercise daily.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:28 Hartford Hospital

8:32

[Comment From Sheila Sheila : ]

Im a diabetic with htn and high cholestrol...your program said diabetes was put in remission... is this a guarantee?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:32 Sheila

8:32

Hartford Hospital:

In most cases all medications are eliminated and diabetes controlled. There are some cases that a low dose of insulin still need to be taken. Depends on which type of diabetes you have.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:32 Hartford Hospital

8:33

[Comment From JULIE JULIE : ]

ARE GASTRIC REVISIONS DONE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:33 JULIE

8:33

Hartford Hospital:

I am not sure what you are referring to. We do gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:33 Hartford Hospital

8:34

[Comment From Cristal Cristal : ]

My good and bad cholesterol is bad and I am too young to have that right

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:34 Cristal

8:34

Hartford Hospital:

No, you are not too young

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:34 Hartford Hospital

8:36

[Comment From Sherry Sherry : ]

Are there any complications that could result from the surgery?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:36 Sherry

8:36

Hartford Hospital:

Yes, there are potential complications include stricture, bleeding, infection, pneumonia, leaking from surgical site, nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:36 Hartford Hospital

8:39

[Comment From john john : ]

If I participated in the weight loss program for the lap band process (norwich CT) and my insurance wouldnt cover the surgery because it wasnt (credited) would I have to wait long or start the process over? that is to have the surgery thank you

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:39 john

8:39

Hartford Hospital:

You would have to have a cardiac evaluation within 6 months of surgery, bloodwork within 6 months, but as long as everything else was done in the past year the insurance company should approve it.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:39 Hartford Hospital

8:41

[Comment From Donna Donna : ]

Would COPD be a deterrent from having the surgery? This is one of the reasons I need to bring down my weight, so that I'm not carry such excessive weight.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:41 Donna

8:41

Hartford Hospital:

No, you can still have surgery.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:41 Hartford Hospital

8:42

[Comment From Bruce Bruce : ]

Do you have any information or source about how to treat acid reflux or possible acid reflux?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:42 Bruce

8:43

Hartford Hospital:

please call our health referral services at 860-545-1888 They can connect you to the right doctor.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:43 Hartford Hospital

8:43

[Comment From JULIE JULIE : ]

DOES YOUR OFFICE DO REVISIONS AFTER 12 YEARS OUT FROM GASTRIC BYPASS?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:43 JULIE

8:43

Hartford Hospital:

Yes, please call our office 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:43 Hartford Hospital

8:44

[Comment From Cristal Cristal : ]

What will be the best surgery for me ?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:44 Cristal

8:44

Hartford Hospital:

There are alot of factors that go into that decision. Please call our office and we will be happy to help you make the best decision. 860-246-2071

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:44 Hartford Hospital

8:45

[Comment From steve steve : ]

what is the recovering time on the Bariatric surgery?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:45 steve

8:45

Hartford Hospital:

Recovery time is about 2 weeks, 3 weeks for gastric bypass.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:45 Hartford Hospital

8:47

[Comment From Janet Janet : ]

I know the following is not a question about medicine or surgery. My son was in Hartford Hospital for 55 days and had the best care by all the wonderful doctors and nurses and PCA's. Your staff is the best. Unfortunately because of his illness he did pass away but nonetheless everyone was so compassionate and caring. Thank you

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:47 Janet

8:47

Hartford Hospital:

Thank you for sharing. We are sorry for your loss and appreciate the positive feedback.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:47 Hartford Hospital

8:51

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

I know several people at work who had the band surgery. Some were successful other not so much. Why, I am scared to have surgery to be unsuccessful

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:51 Guest

8:51

Hartford Hospital:

There are many things that need to be done following the surgery to be successful. We see all our patients monthly or biweekly if needed, and review eating habits, eating techniques, and activity level. These are addressed at all visits. We continue to work with you to develop long lasting habits that are incorporated in you lifestyle.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:51 Hartford Hospital

8:53

[Comment From jamie jamie : ]

can i register online for the seminars? aso are the seminars free?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:53 jamie

8:53

Hartford Hospital:

You can register on line through the Hartford Hospital web site under surgical weight loss center under 'classes and events' or you can call our office at 860-246-2071 Yes, the educations seminar is free.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:53 Hartford Hospital

8:55

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]

What is the success rate fro the lap-band surgery

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:55 Guest

8:55

Hartford Hospital:

The average excess weight loss after one year is 40-50%. 80% of all people are successful in the long term.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:55 Hartford Hospital

8:57

[Comment From jamie jamie : ]

are the any scares left post op on/near the abdomine

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:57 jamie

8:57

Hartford Hospital:

Yes, the surgery is done laprascopically so the scars are small, about 3cm

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:57 Hartford Hospital

8:58

[Comment From jamie jamie : ]

is support for emotional eaters available

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:58 jamie

8:58

Hartford Hospital:

yes, we have a psychologist in our office that helps with eating disorders and emotional eating

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:58 Hartford Hospital

8:58

[Comment From Kim Kim : ]

For morbidly obese patients do you find greater success with gastric bypass verses lap band or sleeve?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 8:58 Kim

9:00

Hartford Hospital:

There is more weight loss with gastric bypass compared to band or sleeve, however success is not measured only by weight loss. All three surgeries can be successful. We'll help you determine what surgery would be the best for you.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 9:00 Hartford Hospital

9:02

[Comment From ANN ANN : ]

HAD GASTRIC BYPASS 10 YEARS AGO,STARTING TO GO UP IN WEIGHT, CAN A REVISION BE DONE ?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 9:02 ANN

9:02

Hartford Hospital:

We are very selective when it comes to revisional surgery. Some patients may benefit from revisional surgery, especially if there is an anatomical reason for the weight regain (dilation of the pouch).

Tuesday June 28, 2011 9:02 Hartford Hospital

9:03

[Comment From sheila sheila : ]

Do you need a referral from a primary care physician?

Tuesday June 28, 2011 9:03 sheila

9:03

Hartford Hospital:

Some insurance companies require a referral to see a specialist. You would have to check with your insurance co.