Common Questions To Ask Your Bariatric Surgeon Before Having Weight-Loss Surgery

What types of weight-loss operations do you perform?

Our procedures include, Lap band, bypass and intragastric balloon.
We perform all of these laparoscopically with minimal intrusion, no drains and as a day / night case. Patients who are extremely obese and weigh over 500 pounds or patients with complex medical or surgical problems may not be candidates for the laparoscopic approach. We also do the same procedures with an open approach if necessary. We also offer revisional procedures to patients who have failed other weight loss procedures.

Can weight-loss surgery be performed using minimally invasive techniques?

We perform all of these procedures using minimally invasive techniques. The cameras and instruments have evolved to offer superior visibility and access for precise dissection of tissues and associated blood vessels. We can do these operations in a reasonable amount of time (usually 1 to 3 hours) and with minimal blood loss. The benefits to the patient include: less pain, easier breathing, and a quicker recovery. Remember in all surgeries there is always a minimal risk of complications whether they are done open or laparoscopically.

Can I be considered a candidate for weight-loss surgery even though I have one or more associated health conditions related to my obesity?

Yes, but we may insist that you undergo a detailed heart and lung evaluation to be sure that you are safe for surgery. We occasionally ask patients to make special efforts to reduce their risk for surgery including losing 10% of your weight, using a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, or taking a new medication to help your heart. In general, patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea are usually not "too risky" for surgery.

How long will I be in surgery?

The operations range from 1-3 hours. Occasionally, we have had operative times from 4-6 hours, and this is usually because the patient is quite large or we are doing additional procedures.

What is the length of my hospital stay for my weight-loss surgery procedure?

The average hospital stay is 2 to 3 days. We do not force any patients out of the hospital and most request to leave. Patients who have complications often stay longer than 3 days. Occasionally, a patient may have a serious complication and be in the hospital for a month or more. We have 1-2 patients each year who stay in the hospital for more than 10 days.

How long will it be before I can return to pre weight-loss surgery levels of activity?

This ranges anywhere from 3 days to 6 weeks and depends on how active you were and what type of procedure you had. Most patients need about 2-4 weeks off from work. Patients who undergo the Lap band surgery can usually return to work within 1 week if they desire. Even if you are doing well, you may feel quite fatigued from the starvation and need to avoid work until this resolves.

How will my eating habits change after weight-loss surgery?

You will be restricted to liquids for 2 weeks and then slowly progress to regular foods over 3 months. Total daily calories range from 500 calories/day early on to 1000-1200 at one year after surgery. Specific nutritional guidelines for each procedure are available in over postoperative diet guides.

What is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated health conditions for your other patients?

This ranges from 50% to 90% depending on the procedure and your starting weight. This is an important question to discuss during your office appointment.

What do you expect from me if I decide to choose a surgical weight-loss solution?

We expect that you will comply with the entire surgical weight loss program including diet, exercise, and lifelong follow up.