FAQ

Our caring medical team is here to answer your questions and assist you in any way we can. We recommend that you start by learning all you can about weight loss surgery by attending one of our free, informational weight loss monthly seminars at Sebastian River Medical Center in Indian River County. The next step is to set-up an appointment with Dr. Domkowski. During your initial consultation, Dr. Domkowski will evaluate your medical condition and determine if you are a good candidate.

We have the largest Lap Band practice and are the only LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE™ accredited program in both Indian River and St. Lucie county. Our practice has met a strict list of rigorous criteria representing a high standard of excellence in the assessment, treatment and ongoing care of adjustable gastric banding patients.

How do I know if I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery may be right for you if:

• Your BMI is 30 or higher. (Use our BMI Calculator)
• Your BMI is 30 or higher and also suffer from one or more health problems such as Type II Diabetes or Hypertension.
• You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
• Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
• You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• You do not drink alcohol in excess.

We recommend that you set-up an appointment with one of our doctors for a free consultation as soon as you have attended one of our monthly seminars.

Which surgery is better for me?

This is a common question. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, lap sleeve gastrectomy, the band-plication or the greater curvature plication. With new surgeries being introduced, the choices can cause confusion. Each of these surgeries has different weight loss profiles and the amount of data available on long term weight loss varies. Many factors go into making a decision about which surgery is best suited for you. Your preferences and goals for weight and restoration of health are important factors in helping you make the correct decision. During your initial consultation, we would be happy to discuss both surgeries with you in more detail and recommend the best option for your individual health needs.

Will my health insurance cover the gastric Lap-Band surgery?

Many private insurance companies provide coverage for the gastric lap band surgery. Some require a 6 month physician supervised weight loss program prior to approving your surgery. Our office will provide 6 months of consecutive monthly physician visits that address the insurance required issues so that your surgery can be approved.

Will my health insurance cover the gastric Lap-Sleeve surgery?

Insurance companies are starting to cover the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This is very encouraging since the published data demonstrating the efficacy both in long term weight loss and reduction in comorbidties is overwhelming. We have completed this surgery on a number of patients that had the surgery as a covered benefit. If your surgery is initially denied we will appeal it for you.

Will health insurance cover my gastric band-plication or gastric plication?

At this point insurance companies will not cover the plication, but many will cover the LAGB. If you have insurance coverage for the LAGB and desire to undergo the band-plication there are options for you available. You still may be able to undergo your desired surgery. Please speak to one of our office staff to see if you are a candidate. If you would like to undergo the gastric plication (without the LAGB) then this would not be covered by insurance and is available through financing or self payment.

How much does each operation cost if my insurance does not cover it?

If your insurance company denies you or you choose to pay yourself the cost of the Lap Band is as low as $12,500. This is includes includes 6 months of free adjustments (in office only), office visits and support group follow up. Sometimes laparoscopic band adjustments need to be performed under fluoroscopy at the hospital. If this is required there is a 100 charge from the hospital. Similarly if you want the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the self pay price is as low as 12,500. This total includes the following: surgeon's fee, anesthesia, psychology consult, nutrition consult, one overnight stay and the hospital fee. If you want to undergo a band-plication procedure the out of pocket cost will depend on existing lap band coverage. If you have band coverage already, adding a plication to it is a nominal fee.

If you do not have insurance coverage for any bariatric surgeries then the band-plication can be as low as $15,500 and the gastric plication as low as $12,500. This includes one night in the hospital. If an additional hospital night is required or additional preoperative or postoperative testing is needed then charges will increase.

Do you have financing options available?

Financing is available through Care Credit™, a company offering low interest loans to patients. You can finance the entire cost of the surgery and have the monthly premiums generally under $275.00. In addition these payments are tax deductible since these are operations are medically necessary. For either the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band or the laparscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Domkowski's fee for the surgery will be due in full at the time of payment for surgery. Please contact Rebecca Godin, our financial advocate for more information at 772.581.8003.

If my health insurance doesn't cover it will my monthly payments be tax-deductible?

Yes. If your health insurance does not cover your monthly payments they are tax deductible since these operations are deemed medically necessary. In the year you finance or pay cash for your weight loss surgery, you may be eligible to receive thousands of dollars back in potential tax savings. IRS Publication 502 states you can deduct your medical expenses when they total more than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Please consult your tax advisor to learn more about this before making any financial decisions.

How can I learn more about the Lap-Band System?

Learn more by visiting the the official site of the Lap-Band Adjustable Grastric Banding System at www.lapband.com