FAQ's

Below are common questions our bariatric surgery patients ask during initial consultations. Since every patient is different, it is important to also address your questions and concerns directly with your surgeon at LI Obesity Surgery.

Most insurance policies will cover bariatric surgery, but their statuses do change often. LI Obesity Surgery has insurance experts who will help you navigate through the process. For questions about insurance, please contact us and we will be happy to go over your options.

First, it is necessary to calculate your body mass index (BMI). For most insurance approvals, the requirement is at least a BMI of 40, however, if you have significant obesity-related health problems like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea, you may be a candidate with a BMI as low as 30.

In addition to being a solution to fighting obesity, bariatric surgery reduces the risk of various ailments and eliminates several diseases including:

Hypertension

High cholesterol

Sleep apnea

Asthma

Cancer

Type 2 diabetes

Heart disease

Acid reflux disease

Stroke

Osteoarthritis

It is a physical change to your stomach and hormonal change to your body. While it is still important to make smart dietary decisions and exercise on a regular basis, surgery makes significant weight loss goals possible for our patients. Studies show that patients who have bariatric surgery lose more weight than those who only diet and exercise, and are able to keep it off long term.

Yes, absolutely. The potential risks associated with surgery are far less than the risk of remaining obese. It is very important to choose a bariatric surgeon that is a leader in the field and experienced in handling complications that can arise during obesity surgery. At the LI Obesity Surgery, our specialists meet this essential criteria.

 

Typically patients regain weight due to two reasons: bad habits and a procedure done by an inexperienced surgeon. If a patient has had bariatric surgery in the past and has regained a significant amount of weight, or did not come close to losing the weight discussed with their surgeon, the patient might be a candidate for revision surgery. Learn more about revision surgery here.

 

There are many factors that affect how much weight a patient can lose. Typical weight loss for the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures is 75% excess weight loss in one year.

 

Absolutely, but patients need to be aware that it is a process, and may take up to a year to experience the weight loss discussed with your expert surgeon at LI Obesity Surgery.

Patients should refrain from driving for five days after surgery, from lifting more than 20 pounds, and can usually return to a sedentary type job within 1 – 2 weeks. Patients that partake in more rigorous work should discuss options with their LI Obesity Surgery surgeon or PA. Drinking carbonated beverages and drinking from straws are also discouraged after surgery.

 

While pregnancy is certainly possible after bariatric surgery, we encourage patients to hold off for two years post-surgery. This allows ample time for effective weight loss and adjustment to the new lifestyle.

The journey to having a healthier and happier life starts now.

Ready for a fresh start? Don’t wait any longer – contact us now and schedule your consultation!

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Amanda Garcia profile picture
Amanda Garcia
July 30, 2026
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Omg I can’t thank them enough they will receive a special gift from me dr buchin give me my life back he’s amazing and so is dr Godwin there your men if you want weight loss surgery they are #1 in my heart the whole office is outstanding I appreciate everyone of them very much look my life changed yes I’m healthy I lost alot of weight and it’s staying that way loose weight feel great you won’t be disappointed come here if u want weight loss surgery I want to share my pictures so everyone can see how dr buchin changed my life I love it before and now
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terry reichert
September 4, 2025
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Dr. Godwin took care of my appendectomy. He was great. I also appreciate the time he spent on my follow up visit. Many thanks.
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Stephany Salas
July 24, 2025
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Staff is always polite and welcoming, your never judged, this service has been a good experience
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Daniel D
July 22, 2025
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I continue to be impressed and grateful for the care I receive from Dr. Buchin and his team at LI Obesity Surgery. I have been a patient for years and the care goes far beyond the office visit. Dr. Buchin has referred me to his excellent network of practitioners for both routine care and specialists. Dr. Buchin even surprised me by checking in on me in the ER when he heard I was there for an injury. It is rare to find a doctor and team so dedicated to the whole welfare of their patients so if you have the need, I highly recommend making an appointment.
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Phyllis Ferraro
March 28, 2025
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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Buchin for several years now, and I have nothing but great things to say about the entire experience. I originally came to him for bariatric surgery and had the sleeve procedure. Since then, I’ve also had liposuction on my arms and laser treatments on my face and neck — and I truly couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m so grateful for how I look and feel today. Dr. Buchin is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extremely personable. He takes the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. I also want to highlight how wonderful the entire staff is — from the medical team to the front desk. Everyone is professional, kind, and responsive. If you ever have a question, they get back to you right away. I have nothing but positive things to say about the whole process from start to finish.