Frequently Asked Questions

Our surgeons (Tom Umbach, MD and Matthew Apel, MD) are American medical school graduates and board certified by the American Board of Surgery and have each completed a bariatric fellowship program.

Given our surgeons extensive training and experience with operating laparoscopically on clients, nearly all operations are safely started and completed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery benefits clients because of less wound infections, less pain, quicker recovery, and faster discharge.*

There is a risk associated with any surgery and anesthesia, including possible death and other complications, but we are proud to say our rates are much lower than the national average. Our mortality rate for the fast track program is 0.0003% which is far below the national average. The national average for the gastric sleeve procedure is 0.08%. Also important to note that the national mortality and complication rates are lower than those typically associated with gallbladder or hip replacement surgery!

The types of complications vary based on the weight loss operation performed. Most commonly, gastric bypass clients can suffer from nausea, particularly early after surgery. This always resolves with time. Fortunately, major surgical complications, such as blood clots or intestinal leakage, are rare and much less than the national average. Our doctors feel very strongly that proper preparation for surgery, both mentally and physically, greatly helps limit surgical complications.*

After learning more about weight loss surgery by reading websites such as this one, you and your surgeon will decide the best procedure for you. Any and every operation entails some risks, including the risk of death. Remarkably, the risks of poor health and medical problems stemming from morbid obesity outweighs the surgical risks from weight loss surgery itself.*

With our Fast Track program, we’ve streamlined the process to complete consult to surgery in as little as 4 days. Depending on our surgery schedule, we may be able to get you in in as little as 2 weeks! To start the process fill out the Fast Track Inquiry form here: Get started with Fast Track.

The actual operating time for both the gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are about an hour or less. However, because of all the preparation and processes that occur on the day of surgery you can expect to spend several hours in the operating room area, including pre-op area, operating room, and the post op recovery area.

If you’re traveling to Blossom from out of town, you can expect to stay 2 days to complete your initial appointment, surgery and IV therapy.
With advances in anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery, clients are typically discharged from our surgery center a few hours after their procedure!

Our surgeons encourage clients to return to normal activity quickly after surgery. There is no danger to you by performing normal light everyday activities, such as walking, cooking, and shopping – actually, we suggest you walk every hour after surgery to help expel the air inserted into the abdomen and to keep the blood circulating. Most clients find it enjoyable to begin light exercise program soon after their procedure. In fact, an early return to activity is important for a safe and speedy recovery. One important point is that while taking narcotic pain medication, clients should not drive or operate machinery. Return to work is based upon your own personal recovery and the demands of your job. Clients often return to work in as little as a few days post-surgery!

Weight loss operations enable clients to develop a new and healthy relationship with food. After surgery, clients have all the knowledge they need to eat a healthy protein-based diet. Importantly, clients can and should eat a wide variety of foods. At a restaurant, people will not know that you have had weight loss surgery, but in your post-op literature, we will provide a card that will note you have had a procedure that you should keep on you at all times.

The price depends on a few factors including insurance coverage and medical history. We work with insurance a bit differently than other programs in the country. We utilize your general surgery, out of network benefits instead of the bariatric benefit so you may be surprised at how affordable surgery can be! The best thing to do is submit your insurance here so we can determine the best way to proceed.

Though individual results may vary, through the results of many scientific studies and years of experience, it has shown that the majority of clients will lose about 2/3 of their excess body weight. For example, if a client who is 120 pounds overweight, she can expect to lose 80 pounds and keep it off. Weight loss surgery generally cures or improves about three quarters of a client’s medical problems. For a client with diabetes, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol, there is 75% chance that the diabetes, sleep apnea, and/ or high cholesterol will resolve.* Post-surgical success is dependent on the clients ability to adhere to the criteria and suggestions set forth by our team.

It is very important that clients research thoroughly all the pros and cons of surgical weight loss. This should include talking with other clients, reviewing our testimonials on our website, Facebook, Google and Yelp, and meeting with your surgeon. Ask around and you will be surprised how many people you already know that have had weight loss surgery. Another fabulous resource for all weight loss clients is a website called ObesityHelp.com. Many of our staff members have undergone the surgery they’re always willing to share their knowledge!

Unfortunately, it can be hard for family and friends to understand weight loss surgery. It’s up to you whether or not you share your entire journey through the weight loss surgery process with your family to help educate them. We encourage clients to bring a support person to their consultation and appointments to help them understand the process and procedures. Friends will quickly learn that this is not the easy way out, it requires hard work and dedication.

Just as clients have many expectations of their weight loss operation, we have similar expectations of our clients. Successful clients follow the program guidelines, change their lifestyle, lose weight before surgery, and seek helpful resources. Perhaps the most important expectation is that clients understand this is a tool and a lifelong change.

Our guidelines for bariatric client selection match those developed by the National Institutes of Health back in 1991. Clients can qualify for weight loss surgery when they are 50 pounds or more overweight. Additional criteria for selecting clients for surgery are similar to those needed for any major elective operation. In general, client should be between the ages of 18 and 68, able to walk a block, have stable controlled medical problems, non-smoking, and be knowledgeable of the surgical risks.*

We are dedicated to providing an exceptional client experience at our clinics and our surgical centers. This commitment includes extensive in-house testing, board certified bariatric surgeons, a Registered Dietitian, pre- and post-operative support, and our own dedicated surgical center and staff.

Our coordinators work with you to obtain insurance approval and maximize your benefits. Once we are able to verify that you have general surgery benefits, we are able to provide a custom quote for you. Simply submit your insurance information here and we will contact you with details and options!

A successful surgical weight loss program involves the client’s primary care physician during all phases of their journey. You will be provided with a primary care physician folder with all testing that was completed during your time with us. It’s important that you follow up with your PCP at 2 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-surgery.

We work with multiple third-party lenders who are able to offer various financing options and terms. In order to determine how much your total out of pocket cost will be so you know how much you need to apply for, start HERE.

One the most important habits for a successful client is seeking support through various methods! Once you have completed surgery, you will be invited to our private Facebook Support group with other past Blossom clients. We encourage you to use the tools we’ve provided such as the Blossom Binder and YouTube channel. We also offer access to our bariatric coach, learn more about BariBoss HERE.

Yes, there is “free water” in protein shakes, so a shake will contribute to both goals of 64 ounces of water and 60 grams of protein per day. During the two weeks of the no-chew diet, we want the main focus and goal to be at least 64 ounces of fluids daily.

No, this does not mean plain water only, this is not a clear liquid diet but it is a liquid diet. You can change up the plain water with Gatorade Zero, Powerade Zero, Bai, Crystal Light, etc. Just no caffeine, carbonation or added sugar/sweetened beverages.

Keep in mind that you are not required to drink shakes daily, but they do maintain a great level of control with calories and protein intake. By leaning on 1-2 shakes a day, you won’t be vulnerable to “making the right food choice.” You will be most vulnerable in the first 6 months.

If you find yourself confused about what you can or cannot have, or you are easily tempted with certain foods, we recommend sticking to the shakes for at least the first 6 months to maximize the potential of your new tool in the time period that’s most valuable.

Hair loss or total prevention of hair loss is not guaranteed, but you can take some steps to minimize your chances. Protein is the number 1 priority. Yes, B vitamins (Biotin) can help, but no matter how much you take, it won’t do anything unless you are getting adequate protein intake. Check out the Blossom Podcast episode about hair loss.

Yes. The services that you receive during your stay with Blossom will typically generate several claims that will be billed at industry standard rates to your insurance.

Some forms are necessary for the processing of your claim’s others are just routine and may not need to be completed. Please reach out to the billing team and we will be happy to help you know what is necessary and what is not. 888-221-2297 or [email protected]

Unfortunately, some insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield choose to put their patients in the middle of the billing process by sending physician and facility insurance checks to the patient. These checks will need to be endorsed and forwarded to Blossom as quickly as possible. Our billing office is here to help with any questions that you may have, and in turn, may need your help with your insurance company from time to time.

Possibly! It is our goal to make this process as seamless as possible but occasionally we may need the patient/or insured to help with some insurance information. This might include a simple signature giving us permission to appeal a claim or a letter from the patient regarding their procedure.