Pre-Op

Am I a candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery?
Candidacy for weight loss surgery is determined primarily by your Body Mass Index. Anyone with a BMI>40 is an automatic candidate for surgery, as is anyone with a BMI>35 with certain co-morbidity factors. Of course, weight loss surgery should be considered a last resort, necessary when all other options have failed. Attending an educational seminar is the very best way to determine, notonly if surgery is right for you, but just which procedure would be most beneficial for you.

What is the best method for weight-loss surgery?
Gastric Bypass Surgery via the Roux-en-Y is generally considered to be the best surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The functional portion of your stomach will be reduced to a small pouch that is about one ounce in size and then a small opening between the stomach and the intestine will be created.

What is involved in preparing for the surgery?
First, a rigorous medical and psychological screening process, performed by a team of doctors, will determine if you are a candidate. This process helps to identify the aspects of your health that will improve following surgery, as well as the aspects that may increase the risks associated with surgery.

Will weight loss surgery improve my health?
Weight loss surgery can eliminate or improve most obesity-related medical complications, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, reflux and osteoarthritis, as well as stress incontinence, dermatitis, muscle and joint pain. Improvements in body image and a reduction in the symptoms of depression have also been reported. Weight loss may also be associated with improved fertility and more favorable pregnancy outcomes.

Will insurance cover the cost of my operation?
We will work with your insurance company to obtain coverage, should they be reluctant. This is, after all, not cosmetic surgery, but surgery to improve your health and longevity. Some insurance providers specifically exclude coverage for any aspect of weight loss in their policies. In this case, financing is available for those who qualify. Cash prices on procedures are:are: $29,500, for the Gastric Bypass, and $15,500, for the Lap Band.

SURGERY

Will the doctors be cutting me open?
Nowadays, most bariatric surgeries are performed laparascopically, with the aid of a laparoscope- a tiny camera that the doctors insert into your abdomen so they can view the surgical field without actually having to open the abdomen. If complications arise, then it may be determined during the course of surgery that an open procedure must be performed, but those instances are rare.

Will I be awake during the surgery?
No. An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia prior to the surgeon beginning the procedure. You will be asleep for the entire surgery.

How long does the surgery take?
It depends on your physical condition and the type of procedure you have. It can take anywhere from 50 minutes to three hours.

What potential surgical related risks/complications do I need to be aware of?
Possible risks you may face when deciding to undergo weight loss surgery may include bleeding complications, allergic reaction to any administered drugs, abdominal infection, abdominal injury, hair loss, dumping syndrome, bowel obstruction, vitamin deficiencies, nausea and vomiting, among others.

What happens to the part of the stomach that's bypassed?
In some procedures it is left in place with the blood supply intact; in others it may shrink; and still in others it may be removed altogether.

POST-OP

How long does the pain last after my surgery?
Depending upon which procedure you undergo, and taking into account your own personal tolerance of pain, you could expect to feel diminishing levels of pain and discomfort for about 2-4 weeks after your surgery. Post-op hospital stays will vary based upon which procedure was performed. Gastric banding usually only requires an overnight stay, whereas gastric bypass may require up to 2-3 days depending on outcome.

How long until I can eat a regular diet again after having gastric bypass?
For the first two weeks after your surgery you can expect to be ordered on a straight liquid diet- broths, sugar-free gelatin, etc. For the next 3 months or so strict monitoring of diet is crucial. Your dietician should help guide you into gradually increasing the types of food you may eat. After a total of 4 months post-op, you should be able to eat on an unrestricted diet. However, this is weight loss surgery, and your individual success is contingent on how you treat yourself in the months and years to follow. How long until I can resume regular activities like going to work or sexual activity? - Again, depending upon which procedure you have just undergone, you are definitely going to want at least 1-2 weeks off of work. If you'll be getting gastric bypass, plan to be away from work anywhere from 2-4 weeks. As for sexual activity, feel free to resume as soon as you feel comfortable; which will probably be around the time that your stitches/sutures heal completely.

Can I reverse my gastric bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, but turnaround operations are usually more problematic than the original gastric bypass. The only patients that would be considered for reversal are those who experience noteworthy long term problems. It is significant to note that any person who has their gastric bypass reversed will probably recover any weight loss seen after the first surgery. Okay, I've had weight loss surgery. Now how much weight can I expect to lose? - That depends on the procedure and the individual. With the adjustable gastric banding procedure, weight loss progresses steadily over a 2-3 year period and then stabilizes. The final result is usually between 50% and 60% of the excess weight. After about four years, studies show the level of weight loss is equal to that achieved by gastric bypass surgery. After gastric bypass surgery, weight loss usually exceeds 100lbs. or up to 70% of the excess body weight, but it generally levels off in one or two years. A regain of up to 10% of your excess body weight is common. With adjustable gastric banding, weight gain is minimal. Ultimately, one's goal weight should be determined by the individual with his surgeon and should be the recommended weight based on the patient's height.