Frequently Asked Questions
How does obesity surgery aid weight loss?
Limited storage capacity and narrow outlet produce early satiety. Overdistension causes distress and vomiting, promoting a change in eating behavior. There is a malabsorption of sugars, simple starches, and fats. Intolerance to concentrated sweets can cause diarrhea; this does not occur in all patients.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
The option of surgical treatment is offered to patients who are morbidly obese. A patient should be about 100 pounds above the estimated ideal body weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more and ineffective dietary attempts at weight control before considering weight-loss surgery. Patients with a BMI of 35 to 40 with obesity-induced physical problems are also considered. The individual should have a strong desire for substantial weight loss and the desire to improve the quality of their life. They must clearly and realistically understand how their lives may change after the operation.
What results can I expect from Roux-en-Y surgery?
Approximately 80-100 percent of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients experience significant weight loss (up to 100 percent of excess weight) and improvement in overall health. Eighty percent of patients were able to keep 80 percent of their weight off at five years. Some weight gain can occur 5+ years later. This is influenced by eating behaviors and lack of a regular exercise plan. Most patients report improvement in mood and other aspects of psychosocial issues after surgery.
What results can I expect from the LAP-BAND procedure?
The LAP-BAND system is an effective treatment for severe obesity and can help you achieve lasting results. Patients experience a gradual weight loss, approximately one to two pounds per week on average over the first year. Your individual weight loss results may vary. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients.
How long does the Roux-en-Y surgery take?
The actual surgery takes about one hour. The operating room staff, in preparation for the procedure, adds some time to the actual procedure. Following surgery, you will be in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) for a few hours before returning to your room.
What can be expected immediately after Roux-en-Y surgery?
You will be expected to begin movement and ambulate immediately after the weight-loss surgery. A bar may be placed over your bed to help you pull yourself up. You will be able to drink fluids. You will also be able to get up and use the bathroom. The doctor will prescribe medicine for pain or discomfort.
What are the major risks of surgical treatment?
Any surgery is serious. The risks of morbid obesity should be taken as seriously as the risks involved in having surgery. Your surgeon will explain to you all the risks as well as the impact on your future lifestyle.
Some of the complications are:
- Infection
- Leaks or blockage at site where tissue is sewn or stapled together (anastomosis) requiring further procedures to repair
- Breathing problems, such as pneumonia, which may require ventilation or a tracheotomy
- Bleeding at an incision site
- Blood clot in the legs or lungs
- Need for spleen removal
- Recurrent vomiting that requires a procedure to stop the problem
- Incisional hernia
- Problems from anesthesia
- Death
Prior to your procedure, all your questions will be addressed and satisfactorily answered by your physician.
Are there nutritional consequences associated with the Roux-en-Y procedure?
Weight-loss surgery causes ingested food to bypass many of the digestive organs. You are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, for example loss of iron, thiamine/B12, vitamin D, calcium and folic acid. The dietitian will work with you to begin some of these changes prior to your surgery including life-long supplements of multivitamins. Iron and calcium are essential following this procedure. The need for long-term follow up evaluation and counseling is required. Eating habits will change. You will need to comply with the monitoring schedule proposed by the bariatric team of specialists.
How long will I be in bed?
After your surgery, you will be expected to get out of bed and walk around. The staff will help you to move and begin to walk.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most laparoscopic bariatric procedure patients are in the hospital for 1-2 days. For the LAP-BAND procedure, hospitalization is usually less than 24 hours.
Will my insurance cover it?
Once you meet your insurance company’s criteria for gastric bypass surgery, our office will contact your insurance company and request prior authorization for the surgery.
Do you vomit all the time after bypass?
No. If you follow the instructions, take small bites, chew, chew, chew, and take your time, you should be fine.
Do you have diarrhea all the time after bypass?
No. Some people are more sensitive to hidden sugars than others. If you turn out to be one of those people, reading food labels can help avoid that problem.
Do you have to eat baby food all the time?
No. Patients eat a well-balanced diet of real food. Avoid fried foods, sweets, and refined sugars. This is the lifestyle that should be adopted.
Questions? E-mail us.
We know that you will have questions as you decide on and undergo weight-loss surgery. Dr. Graber and Dr. Fitzer are available to you directly to help you with information.
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