Contact our weight loss surgery center in Indiana to speak with Dale Sloan, M.D. Dr. Sloan is an experienced bariatric surgeon.

Key Bariatrics
7836 W Jefferson Blvd. Suite 101
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804

Phone: 866.775.8977

Surgery is considered for individuals with a BMI of 40 or those with BMI of 35 with a life threatening complication from their obesity.

Height:
Weight:

Results:

Obesity BMI
Class (Kg/m2)

Underweight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5 - 24.9
Overweight
25 - 29.9
Obese
I
30 - 34.9
Obese
II
35 - 39.9
Morbid Obese
III
>40

FAQs - Key Bariatric Specialists Weight Loss Surgery Center – Indiana

Adhering to any weight loss strategy involves making a serious commitment, but bariatric surgery requires even more dedication than most. Before undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery or LAP-BAND® System surgery at Key Bariatric Specialists weight loss surgery center in Indiana, it is advisable for patients to learn as much as they can about their options for surgical weight loss. Dale Sloan, M.D. encourages prospective patients to read through these frequently asked questions in order to learn more about weight loss surgery.

I am interested in finding out more about obesity surgery. What is the next step?

You can attend a free seminar at Dale Sloan, M.D.'s weight loss surgery center in northeast Indiana, where you will learn everything you need to know in order to decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you. You can register by calling (260) 435-7844 or by contacting Key Bariatric Specialists through our website.

Once I decide to undergo a bariatric procedure, how long will it be before I can have surgery?

It generally takes one to two months to schedule weight loss surgery at our center. During this time, our Key Bariatric Specialists staff will compile your clinical data and request approval from your insurance company. You will also be evaluated to make sure you are a good candidate for successful weight loss surgery.

Some insurance companies require their policyholders to participate in a documented non-surgical weight loss program for six months before approving surgery. This can delay the process.

Does my insurance company cover weight loss surgery?

Most insurance companies cover weight loss surgery, but each company sets different criteria. Some require prior participation in a documented weight loss program, nutritional consultations, and/or psychological evaluations. You should contact your insurance provider to find out more.

What can I do to speed up the insurance approval process?

Be proactive. Know your insurance company's requirements and meet them as efficiently as possible by gathering and providing the necessary information. Medical data can be faxed to our weight loss surgery center in Indiana at (260) 435-6899.

What if I don't have insurance?

Bariatric surgery is not only for those with insurance or insurance approval. Key Bariatric Specialists and Lutheran Hospital offer competitive cash payment and financing plans. We have financial counselors at both locations to help you.

Can I have bariatric surgery with small incisions (laparoscopically), or do I need an open procedure?

With Dale Sloan, M.D.'s experience, very few patients require open surgery. Over 95 percent of his patients undergo laparoscopic surgery.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

Gastric bypass patients whose surgery is performed laparoscopically usually stay in the hospital for about two days. Patients who undergo LAP-BAND® System surgery are usually able to go home on the day of their procedure. Occasionally, a patient may need to stay in the hospital somewhat longer.

How soon will I be able to return to work after weight loss surgery?

Gastric bypass patients are usually able to return to work about one to three weeks after the procedure. LAP-BAND® System patients can usually return to work after five to 14 days. It is not dangerous to return to work earlier, but some patients take more time off than others, depending on their job as well as their level of discomfort or fatigue.

How much weight will I be able to lose?

Ninety-five percent of patients at our weight loss surgery center in Indiana lose at least half of their excess weight, and 85 percent of our patients lose at least two-thirds of their excess weight. Any long-term loss of at least 50 percent of excess weight is considered successful, but many patients lose 75 percent or more and keep it off for the rest of their lives.

Will I need to follow a special diet after bariatric surgery?

After the post-surgical recovery period, there is no specific diet beyond a well-balanced meal plan that takes the new size of the stomach into account. Gastric bypass patients should take vitamin supplements daily to avoid deficiencies. They should also undergo yearly testing at our weight loss surgery center to make sure vitamin levels are optimal.

What kind of support is available after weight loss surgery?

Pre- and post-surgery education and counseling are a major part of the treatment strategy at our weight loss surgery center. Post-surgery support groups are key to our patients' success. Patients at Key Bariatric Specialists have lifetime membership to our monthly support group meetings.

Can I get the surgery reversed?

LAP-BAND® System surgery can be easily reversed by removal of the gastric band through laparoscopic surgery. Gastric bypass surgery can be reversed or modified, but this is a complicated procedure and is very rarely necessary.

Will I still be able to get pregnant?

Yes! In fact, many women find it easier to get pregnant after significant weight loss because they enjoy better overall health and more normal hormone levels. However, it is important to avoid pregnancy during the weight loss process. Once a woman reaches a healthy, stable weight, it is safe to get pregnant.

I had surgery at another weight loss surgery center and forgot what I was told to do. Can you help me?

After weight loss surgery, you should have regular follow-up appointments. Dale Sloan, M.D. recommends checkups at three, six, nine, and twelve months, followed by yearly appointments. If you have moved away from the area in which your weight loss surgery center is located, or if you have forgotten your protocols, call Key Bariatric Specialists at (260) 435-7844 to schedule an appointment. To facilitate your treatment, we will ask you to have your records sent from your surgeon to our office.

Contact Dale Sloan, M.D.

This information is intended to provide a basic introduction for Dale Sloan, M.D.'s patients at Key Bariatric Specialists weight loss surgery center in Indiana. If you want to learn more, contact Key Bariatric Specialists to begin the weight loss surgery process.