Q:  What is the surgery and how is it performed?

A:  Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery is the process of reducing the active, food absorbing part of one’s stomach to about 3% of its current size and moving the small intestine from the bottom of the “Old” stomach to this “New” 3% stomach. This is done by making a few small incisions in the patient’s abdomen that allows the use of very small surgical tools for operating on internal organs and a Laparoscope which allows the surgeon to see inside the patient’s abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery means NOT having to cut the patient open (hence the term “Open” surgery), so there is no large “Zipper” scar on the front of the patient and healing time and pain are significantly reduced. Gastric Bypass surgery is considered non-reversible.

A:  Laparoscopic Gastric Band surgery is the process of restricting the amount of food consumed by surgically placing an inflatable, donut-shaped ring or band around the upper part of one’s stomach.  As in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery, only small incisions are used and there is no large “Zipper” scar.  Again, recovery time and discomfort are minimal.  Unlike Gastric Bypass surgery, the Gastric Band is reversible through a Laparoscopic surgery that can remove the band.

Q:  How much time does this procedure take?

A:  Typically, either surgery, Bypass or Band can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.  Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 2 days, depending on their progress, and typically return to work within a few days (For the Gastric Band procedure) or within a two to six week period for the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass.

Q:  Which procedure is most effective?

A:  Long term studies have shown the Gastric Bypass to be more effective for more people.  While both procedures give the patient a feeling of fullness after eating only small meals, the Gastric Bypass also reduces food absorption by reducing some of the small intestine and a majority of the stomach.  Your consultation with Dr. Pupkova is the best way to choose the procedure that is best for you.

Q:  Once I have surgery, what changes must I make to my diet?

A:  Everything changes.  Portion size, nutrition value of the foods you eat and physical fitness are all necessary elements of achieving weight loss results.  People who “Cheat” by eating the “Wrong” foods and beverages will NOT lose weight.  Surgery provides an opportunity that you must use for your advantage.  Swilling down milkshakes and eating as many French fries as you can tolerate will NOT cause you to lose weight.  You MUST be mentally prepared to CHANGE YOUR LIFE.  This becomes much easier when you no longer feel incredibly hungry all of the time.  Also, with Gastric Bypass surgery, you will need to take vitamins and supplements to guarantee proper, healthy nutrition because the surgery reduces normal food absorption.

Q:  How safe are these procedures and are they Government approved?

A:  Gastric Bypass procedures were “Experimental” in the 1970s but became well established by the 1990s.  By 2001, the FDA approved Gastric Bands.  Today, safety has more to do with you and your surgeon.  Patients whose health is too fragile for major surgery like a Gastric Bypass should consider doing everything possible to improve their health before undertaking this procedure.  If one or more surgeons decline to operate on you based on health issues, please do not go shopping for a surgeon who will do a Gastric Bypass.  You should listen to the physicians who declined your request and take their advice to prepare for surgery at a later time when your health has improved.  Also, with a skilled surgeon like Dr. Pupkova who specializes in this surgery and who teaches surgical techniques, safety factors are greatly enhanced.  Even some of the physicians who say they specialize in these procedures do not perform them the way Dr. Pupkova does.  This is why she has had no mortalities and very few complications.

Q:  What does Dr. Pupkova do differently from other surgeons?

A:  Aside from incredible hand dexterity and extensive experience in performing hundreds of procedures, Dr. Pupkova prefers to prevent possible life-threatening conditions, rather than deal with them on a regular basis, by using safe and refined surgical techniques.  For example, she checks the integrity of the main bowel anastomosis (Surgical connection) in the operating room, before calling an end to the surgery, rather than doing a swallow contrast radiological study the next morning. It saves patients from the aggravation of an unpleasant procedure and a possible extra trip to the operating room in the case of a leak.  Additionally, while she schedules as much time as is needed, many surgeries are successfully completed in about an hour.  This reduced time under general anesthesia also helps patients recover faster.  There are many finer points to her surgical technique that she alone can explain during a consultation.

A:  Dr. Pupkova takes the time to listen to her patients.  She takes the time to ALWAYS return calls as quickly as possible, 24/7.  She takes the time to discuss your options and explain exactly what the procedure you chose will do for you.  She values the patient – doctor relationship and gives her time and energy to help all of her patients succeed.

Q:  What type of follow-up care should I expect?

A:  Unlike other surgeons who have an assembly-line approach (Do this on day 1, do this on day 7, etc.), Dr. Pupkova writes a treatment plan and follow-up schedule for each patient based upon his or her needs.  These activities are closely monitored to gain success and improve health as each patient loses weight.

Q: Does insurance cover these procedures?

A: Yes. If you are covered by one of the plans that BOTH Dr. Pupkova and Barix Clinics list for in-network participation (see Accepted Insurances ) and you receive the proper insurance approval, the out-of-pocket cost for a typical Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass is usually in the range of $200 to $600*. For patients whose insurance is accepted by Dr. Pupkova, but NOT by Barix Clinics, your costs will be higher depending on your plan limitations. If you are not sure about your coverage, please feel free to call us for assistance. If you have no insurance, but pay your medical bills privately, please call us for information on finance options.

Since Dr. Pupkova participates with most major insurance networks, please remember that these insurance companies have established guidelines that cover a majority of the costs involved if their policy conditions are met. Any amounts not covered by health insurance may be tax deductible, but check with your accountant for specific details.

*NOTE: Co-insurance and Co-Pay amounts vary based upon insurance plans and these figures may be higher or lower than the "Typical range" depending on insurance coverage benefits.

Tel: 866.202.1577   Fax: 267.572.3161