Frequently Asked Questions
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Before Surgery
Questions you might have when considering bariatric surgery.
Q.1 How does surgery promote weight loss?
Bariatric surgery produces weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some cases, interfering with nutrition through malabsorption. Patients who undergo weight-reduction surgery must also commit to a lifetime of healthy eating and regular physical activity to help ensure the weight loss is successfully maintained.
Q.2 How do I know if weight-reduction surgery is right for me?
You may qualify for weight-loss surgery if you:
- - Have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40. (Calculate your BMI on the right.)
- - Have a BMI of over 35 and are diagnosed with weight-related diseases.
- - Have tried medical and conventional weight-loss programs without long-term success.
Q.3 How much weight can I expect to lose?
On average, people lose 2/3 of their excess weight. For example, if you weighed 300 pounds and your ideal weight is 150 pounds, you should expect to lose about 100 pounds. Of course, weight loss depends on you and how well you follow a good diet and how often you exercise.
Q.4 Why might I be required to see a psychologist before surgery?
Weight-reduction surgery is often more stressful than people expect. Some are surprised to find that, after surgery, they have problems with depression, anxiety, and relationships. Those at highest risk for these problems may not feel emotionally strong or are not psychologically prepared for the lifestyle changes they will have to make.
Q.5 How much will my weight-reduction surgery cost?
Bariatric procedures, on average, cost from $20,000 to $25,000. Medical insurance coverage varies by state and insurance provider. Weight-loss surgery may be covered if it is medically appropriate to correct an obesity-related illness. Contact your health insurance provider or regional Medicare or Medicaid office to find out if the procedure is covered.
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The Surgery
Questions you might have about the surgery itself.
Q.1 What are the surgical options?
The Center for Weight Management offers two types of weight reduction surgery: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band. To select the best option for you, consult with your physician to consider the benefits and risks along with many other factors, including BMI, eating behaviors, obesity-related health conditions, and previous operations. Find out more ยป
Q.2 What are the complications of this surgery?
Some of the complications are as minor as a draining wound to more major complications such as wound infection, bleeding, abscesses, ulcers, and hernias. Life threatening complications include deep-vein thrombosis, a blood clot which can travel up to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Q.3 What is the difference between open and laparoscopic surgery?
Weight-loss surgery may be performed through "open" approaches, which make abdominal incisions in the traditional manner, or by laparoscopy, where sophisticated instruments are inserted through 1/2-inch incisions and guided by a small camera that sends images to a television monitor. Most bariatric surgery today is performed laparoscopically because it requires a smaller cut, creates less tissue damage, leads to earlier discharges from the hospital, and has fewer complications, especially postoperative hernias. However, not all patients are suitable for laparoscopy. Patients who are extremely obese, who have had previous abdominal surgery, or have complicating medical problems may require the open approach.
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After Surgery
Questions you might have about what to expect after surgery.
Q.1 How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
The average time of discharge is 3 to 4 days after gastric bypass surgery. Discharge planning begins on day one when we start identifying needs that you might have. Our medical staff will all be working together to make sure your discharge home goes as smoothly as possible.
Q.2 What will be expected of me after surgery?
You will be expected to cooperate with the nurses and therapists in working together with one shared goal: for you to return home. To accomplish this, you must get out of bed the morning after surgery, use your incentive spirometer when the nurses instruct you to do so, and walk the hospital hallways, increasing your activity each day.
Q.3 What can I eat after surgery?
Our team will help you devise an individual eating plan specifically to meet your needs.
Q.4 What will my long-term diet be like?
Proteins, fruits, vegetables and water.
Q.5 What food supplements are necessary after surgery?
You will need to take vitamins daily for the rest of your life. Most patients require calcium, iron, Vitamin B-12 and B Complex supplements as well.
Q.6 When can I start exercising?
By the time you are discharged from the hospital, you should be able to walk without difficulty (getting the mail, morning paper, etc.). Physical therapy will provide a walking documentation sheet and stretching exercises to continue on your own at home. Your doctor will increase your exercise as your incision heals. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have in regard to progression of exercise.