Bariatric Surgery:
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are Frequently Asked Questions about bariatric surgery.
We invite you to forward additional questions or comments to us either by calling toll-free to 1-888-744-4898 or emailing to info@rightweigh.com
Table Of Contents
* Can Lap Band safely be done in an outpatient setting?
*What are the necessary physical qualifications for this procedure?
* Why would a person choose surgery over the more traditional weight loss methods?
* Do Any of Your Centers offer Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery?
* Is the Gastric Bypass Procedure (Roux-en-y) related to the intestinal bypass?
* How safe is bariatric surgery?
* How soon can I get out of bed after surgery and will my activities be restricted or limited?
* What non-surgical complications are associated with bariatric surgery?
* How long does the surgery take?
* How big is the incision scar?
* How long is the average hospital stay?
* What kind of diet does the patient have after surgery?
* How much food can be eaten after surgery?
* Won't I feel hungry if I only eat that much?
* How quickly does a person lose weight after the surgery?
* Can I become pregnant after having the surgery?
* How soon can I return to work or to my normal routine?
* Is the surgery covered by medical insurance plans? Can Lap Band safely be done in an outpatient setting?
YES! If the doctor has significant experience in lap band and if the program has a comprehensive program of care. Many fields of surgery have developed to where formerly inpatient procedures could be done in a healthier, safer outpatient environment. Gall bladder removal, hernia repair and many orthopedic procedures are just a few that used to require hospitalization. But, as progressive, high-quality surgeons became experienced and versed in laparoscopic procedures, it became evident that these surgeries didn't require hospitalization, where the patient was needlessly kept one or two nights, and exposed to infection or other diseases that the very sick in those hospitals were admitted for.
Such is the case with Lap Band Surgery. Very capable laparoscopic surgeons are seeing that the otherwise healthy lap band patient really doesn't need inpatient hospitalization, which drives up healthcare costs for all of us. "Hospitals are for the sick," one doctor said. "Most patients getting lap band surgery are not sick, but are there to have a surgical procedure done to help htem live better." Even the Wall Street Journal, in a March 2008 article, chronicled the rise of outpatient lap band centers as the growing wave of the future. At outpatient lap band centers, you are often discharged to home the same day.
Of course, your surgeon will medically screen you. If there is any reason you need to be in an inpatient setting, he or she will perform your surgery there. In every location we have an outpatient lap band center, we also have an inpatient program at a local hospital. Your medical safety is always of preeminent concern. If you have any questions about this, please let us know by calling or emailing.
What are the necessary physical qualifications for this procedure?
You must be at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight, be between the ages of 18 and 60, and be able to document other weight loss programs that you have tried, but failed, including at least one medically supervised weight loss program.
back to top
Why would a person choose surgery over the more traditional weight loss methods?
Morbid obesity is in it self considered a life threatening medical condition, as it leads to many other life-threatening medical conditions. Typically, the morbidly obese have tried many diets during their lives with no lasting success. In many cases, medical studies show that morbid obesity is a genetically based problem that cannot be resolved through conventional weight loss methods. The surgical option is considered a permanent procedure and has good long-range results when patients comply with nutritional and exercise guidelines.
back to top
Do Any of Your Centers offer Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Yes, all surgeons currently associated with Right Weigh programs offer both laparoscopic and roux-en-y gastric bypass.
back to top
Is the Gastric Bypass Procedure (Roux-en-y) related to the intestinal bypass?
No. The roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure, which is considered the "Gold Standard" by most American surgeons, is generally regarded as the most effective procedure in promoting permanent weight loss. It was developed through considerable research, and has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health. This procedure is the procedure of choice in Right Weigh centers. It is considered and documented to be a more optimal and safer method of permanent weight loss, because the digestive process and elimination process are not changed, as they were with the intestinal bypass procedure.
back to top
How safe is bariatric surgery?
As with all types of major abdominal surgery, there is a minor chance of post-operative complications. Complications may include (but are not limited to) cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, or wound infection. Your surgeon will discuss possible complications and risks with you. The experience level of your surgeon can affect your risk for complications. Be sure to ask your surgeon about his experience level with bariatric surgery.
National outcome studies show a mortality rate of less than one-half of one percent for gastric bypass patients.
back to top
How soon can I get out of bed after surgery and will my activities be restricted or limited?
Normally patients are out of bed the same day, but recovery rates can vary. We encourage you to be up and about as quickly as possible. You will be able to live a normal, active lifestyle after the surgical incision has fully healed (usually 6 to 8 weeks).
back to top
What non-surgical complications are associated with bariatric surgery?
Some common complications are hair loss, vomiting, intolerance of some foods, mineral deficiency, or stoma ulcer development. Most of these complications can be resolved or avoided by good nutrition and carefully eating. Your surgeon has a sound pre-surgical medical plan and comprehensive post-surgical follow-up plan that minimizes the risk of these complications.
back to top
How long does the surgery take?
Lap band takes about 45 minutes. The roux-en-y procedure usually takes from ninety minutes to three hours in the operating room, mainly depending on the size of the patient.
back to top
How big is the incision scar for gastric bypass?
The incision scar runs from the breast bone to the navel, if you have open gastric bypass. There is no incision or scarring if you have laparoscopic gastric bypass.
back to top
How long is the average hospital stay?
Lap band can be done on an outpatient basis. That is, you can be discharged to home the same day you have surgery, in most cases.
For gastric bypass, the hopital stay is usually 2-4 days.
back to top
What kind of diet does the patient have after surgery?
The patient can eat most foods following surgery. The food, however, must be high in protein and consumed in much smaller quantities. Different textures of food are introduced starting with liquids, followed by pureed, and finally advancing to solid foods usually within five to six weeks after surgery.
back to top
How much food can be eaten after surgery?
The food intake is limited to one or two ounces per scheduled meal immediately after surgery so that the stomach can heal properly. Later, the quantity of food that can be eaten increases. At its maximum capacity, about six months after surgery, the pouch holds between four to eight ounces of food.
back to top
Won't I feel hungry if I only eat that much?
We have never had a patient who reported feeling hungry after surgery. On the contrary, most of our patients say they have never before felt "full" Energy levels almost always increase following gastric bypass surgery.
back to top
How quickly does a person lose weight after the surgery?
With gastric bypass, patients generally lose 60 to 75 percent of their excess weight within the first 6 to 9 months after surgery. After that, weight loss continues until about 18 months post-surgery when the patient usually achieves his/her goal weight.
With lap band, the rate of weight loss can be much slower. Patients will have to be "in tune" with their bodies, determining whether they are eating too much, which will minimize weight loss. If you feel hungry or that you are not losing weight fast enough, consult your surgeon who can arrange for an adjustment ("fill") or he may consult with you concerning the food choices you are making. There is a special dietary program for Lap Band patients that has resulted in significant, quick, health weight loss when followed. This program is at an additional charge. More information can be provided, if you are interested, by calling or emailing Right Weigh.
With any bariatric surgery, be sure you follow your surgeon's and dietitian's instructions exactly to achieve the best possible results.
back to top
Can I become pregnant after having the surgery?
Women do have babies after having the surgery. It is recommended that you do not get pregnant for at least one year after surgery. Once you are pregnant, you will need to carefully watch your dietary program to make sure you and your baby are well nourished.
back to top
How soon can I return to work or to my normal routine?
Within two to six weeks, in most cases, depending on the amount of physical activity your job requires.
back to top
Is the surgery covered by medical insurance plans?
Most medical insurance plans do cover the procedure. Right Weigh personnel will assist you in obtaining required insurance authorizations and clearances. Your surgery will not be booked until we receive verification from your insurance that they will cover this procedure.
Have a question not answered here? Email us and we'll get you the answer you've been looking for.....
info@rightweigh.com
BACK TO TOP |
