Weight Loss institute of Arizona,L.L.C

/Home/Weight Loss Surgery/Weight Loss Surgery Treatment Centers - US/Weight Loss Surgery Treatment Centers - AZ

Weight Loss institute of Arizona, L.L.C
1855 East Southern Avenue
Tempe, Arizona 85282

Phone: 480-829-6100
Fax: 480-446-7602

Frequently Asked Questions

Please for Frequently Asked questions regarding the Lap Band procedure.



The following questions frequently come up during Weight Loss Institute of Arizona’s private weight loss consultations. If your question is not answered here, feel free to email us at info@wliaz.com and our healthcare team will respond to you as soon as possible.

The best way to get an overview of our program is to attend one of our FREE comprehensive seminars that cover numerous topics including:

Am I a candidate?
Medical treatment for obesity
Surgical treatment for obesity
and a specific overview of our individualized program
Q1. What's the risk of surgery?
A1. Every surgical procedure, from heart bypass to knee replacement, has risk. Therefore, the decision to have weight loss surgery needs to be evaluated against your overall risk. The Weight loss institute of Arizona completes an extensive and comprehensive patient screening process to ensure the medical eligibility of each patient and the appropriateness of the surgery.

Q2. What real chance do obese patients have to lose and keep the weight off?
A2. On average, the weight loss institute of Arizona’ patients lose as much as 75 percent of excess weight within one to two years after surgery, and studies show that more than 92 percent of patients in the U.S. who have surgery maintain long-term weight loss.

Q3. Can anyone who is overweight have weight loss surgery?
A3. Patients undergo a thorough screening process at the Weight loss institute of Arizona to identify whether they are appropriate candidates for surgery. Surgical candidates need to be at least 100 pounds overweight. A more accurate measurement is the Body Mass Index or BMI. Surgical candidates need to have a BMI above 30 or a BMI above 30 with other obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, appropriate candidates are those who have tried and failed other weight loss options, including diet and exercise modification.

Q4. How experienced is the Weight loss institute of Arizona treatment team?
A4. The Weight loss institute of Arizona surgeons are board-certified by the American College of Surgeons and are members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. The registered dietitian and exercise physiologist have more than 10 years of experience in developing individualized weight-loss regimens. The licensed clinical psychologists and therapists have extensive experience in the area of eating disorders and obesity. The Weight loss institute of Arizona typically performs over 50 surgical procedures a month.

Q5. What type of procedures does the Weight loss institute of Arizona perform?
A5. The Weight loss institute of Arizona performs the Gastric Bypass, which can be done either through the open (traditional) method or laparoscopically. The Weight loss institute of Arizona performs laparoscopic procedures with state-of-the-art equipment that allows our surgeons to operate without making a large incision. The Weight loss institute of Arizona surgeons are also specialists at performing the laparoscopic banding (Lap Band) procedure.


Q6. What should I look for in a treatment center?
A6. Surgery is not a quick fix. Successful long-term maintenance of weight loss requires physical and psychological adjustments to a healthier lifestyle. Anyone who is considering weight loss surgery should ask these basic questions of the treatment center:

How thorough is the screening process?
Will a psychological or therapist, nutritional, exercise and behavioral professional be part of the program to support you before and after surgery?
Are there patients from that particular practice you can speak with in advance?
How much pre-operative teaching is involved?
How much post-operative teaching is involved?
How many surgeries are being performed monthly?
How experienced are the surgeons? Is bariatric surgery the core of their practice?
Q7. How long is the surgery, and how many days will I be in the hospital?
A7. Every case is different, but on the average, traditional gastric bypass is 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours, and laparoscopic procedures take 2 to 3-1/2 hours. The hospital stay averages 2 to 3-1/2 days.

Q8. Is the procedure covered by my insurance?
A8. During your first visit at Weight loss institute of Arizona you will meet with one of our Program Specialist. Our surgeons and billing department then send each insurance carrier a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health. The insurance company almost always grants appropriate candidates the surgery on a case-by-case basis. Be aware that the insurance approval process can be difficult, and you should work with an experienced team.

Q9. Are there any limitations after surgery?
A9. Limitations will vary on a per patient basis. Your surgeon will discuss with you in detail prior to and after your procedure.

Q10. Will you work with my internist/family practitioner?
A10. Yes, we exchange information with your physician on a regular basis as you are going through the Weight loss institute of Arizona program. Of course, you can elect not to notify your physician for privacy reasons.

Q11. Are the surgeons members of a bariatric society?
A11. The surgeons from our team all are members of the American Bariatric Society.

Q12. What sets your program apart from the others?
A12. The Weight loss institute of Arizona offers an unparalleled combination of expertise, counseling and support, all key factors in achieving weight loss success. Ours is one of the most comprehensive programs in the world because we provide extensive teaching and support for our patients, both before and after surgery. Combine that with our well-rounded, experienced team of surgeons and our commitment to patient satisfaction it is clear that Weight loss institute of Arizona provides real options for those considering surgery to address their obesity.

© 2009 WLIA