I lost a lot of weight and have since gained some back.  I was wondering if post bariatric surgery could help prevent gaining back all the weight that I lost.  Would insurance pay for the surgery and would they pay for other problems caused by redundant tissue, like rashes?  What would be the total recovery time as I work at a physically demanding job requiring me to regularly lift 50 pounds.

Post Bariatric Surgery (I am assuming you mean lifting procedures and panniculectomies) will NOT prevent weight gains.  If your caloric intake exceeds your output, you will gain weight.

Some insurance companies do cover these procedures if you have medical problems that develop from them such as rashes but you usually have to provide documentation that medical management has not resolved them.

As for work restrictions, it really depends on what you do but for straightforward skin excisions without complications, you should be able to return to work in 3 weeks without restrictions.

It is best to wait until your weight has stabilized for over 6 months to one year following massive weight loss or a GBP.  Body Contouring procedures are not weight loss procedures. However, contouring procedures can and often do improve a patients ability to move more easily and exercise.  

Insurance carriers do not typically cover Aesthetic or Cosmetic surgery like Body Contouring. They do cover panniculectomies.  A pannus is a large skirt of skin sometimes left in the abdominal area following massive weight loss.  When it is associated with documented medical treatment for rashes, back pain, etc. sometimes carriers will cover the service.  The procedure consists of the simple removal of skin and fat.  That is all. Typical reimbursements for the surgical fee are $300 to $400. 

Body Contouring procedures often require extensive undermining of the skin and deeper layers, liposuction, and sometimes tightening of the abdominal musculature (Abdominoplasty).  Typical surgeon fees can range from $3,000 to over $15,000 depending upon the type of procedure.  So, it is quite simple.  If I you have $300 to $400 to by a car, what kind of car can you get?  But, if you have $3,000 to $15,000? 

Recovery is strictly dependent upon the type of procedure you are pursuing.  May I recommend that you start with a consult with one of the many members of the ASAPS.  I am sure they can answer many of your concerns.

Best,

Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS