Weight Loss Surgery Considering Weight Loss Surgery 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which insurance criterion is most commonly required before approving bariatric surgery?
- BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with obesity-related comorbidities (Correct answer)
- BMI ≥ 30 with diabetes alone
- Age over 50 years
- Failed one prior diet lasting 3 months
Correct answer: BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with obesity-related comorbidities
Most US insurers follow NIH guidelines requiring BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with at least one serious obesity-related condition.
Question 2: What does 'malabsorptive' mean in the context of weight loss surgery?
- The surgery reduces the body's ability to absorb calories and nutrients (Correct answer)
- The surgery removes part of the stomach
- The surgery blocks hunger hormones
- The surgery implants a device to restrict eating
Correct answer: The surgery reduces the body's ability to absorb calories and nutrients
Malabsorptive procedures reroute the digestive tract so fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed from food.
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary psychological contraindication for weight loss surgery?
- Untreated severe psychiatric disorder such as active psychosis (Correct answer)
- Mild situational anxiety
- A history of any depression ever
- Introversion or social withdrawal
Correct answer: Untreated severe psychiatric disorder such as active psychosis
Active, untreated serious psychiatric illness can impair a patient's ability to comply with post-op requirements and is a contraindication.
Question 4: How long must most US insurance programs require documented non-surgical weight loss attempts before approving bariatric surgery?
- 3 to 6 months (Correct answer)
- 1 month
- 2 years
- No documentation is required
Correct answer: 3 to 6 months
Most insurance plans require 3–6 months of physician-supervised diet and exercise before authorizing surgery.
Question 5: Which specialist is typically NOT part of the standard pre-surgical bariatric evaluation team?
- Dermatologist (Correct answer)
- Bariatric surgeon
- Registered dietitian
- Mental health professional
Correct answer: Dermatologist
A dermatologist is not routinely included; the core team consists of the surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and often an internist.
Question 6: What is the primary role of a pre-surgery psychological evaluation in bariatric care?
- Assess readiness, identify psychiatric risks, and ensure informed consent capacity (Correct answer)
- Determine whether the patient dislikes their appearance
- Calculate ideal body weight targets
- Screen for food allergies
Correct answer: Assess readiness, identify psychiatric risks, and ensure informed consent capacity
The psychological evaluation identifies mental health barriers, eating disorders, and confirms the patient can understand and follow post-op requirements.
Question 7: Which statement best describes the concept of 'informed consent' before bariatric surgery?
- The patient understands the risks, benefits, alternatives, and agrees to proceed (Correct answer)
- The patient signs a form releasing the surgeon from all liability
- The hospital notifies the patient's family of the surgery date
- The patient is told only about the expected benefits
Correct answer: The patient understands the risks, benefits, alternatives, and agrees to proceed
Informed consent requires that patients receive complete information about risks, benefits, and alternatives before voluntarily agreeing to surgery.
Weight Loss Surgery Considering Weight Loss Surgery 2
Which insurance criterion is most commonly required before approving bariatric surgery?