Frequently Ask Questions About Weight-Loss Surgery
- Is Surgery The Right Choice For Me?
- How much weight can I expect to lose?
- What health benefits are associated with weight-loss surgery?
- Will my insurance pay?
- How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
- What can I eat after surgery?
- What are the diet and lifestyle changes that I will need to make after surgery?
- Will my hair fall out?
Is Surgery The Right Choice For Me?
A:The decision whether or not to have bariatric surgery should not be taken lightly. Although the health benefits are undeniable, it is important to understand that surgery is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Patients must be able to make permanent lifestyle and eating behavior changes in order to achieve and maintain successful weight-loss. These changes start immediately after surgery, with the patients consuming extremely small amounts and severely restricted types of food due to smaller stomach size and surgical wound healing. If patients do not comply with the strict dietary restrictions, wound healing could be disrupted with potential serious complications.
Patients must learn how to eat healthier, monitor fats, carbohydrates, and sugars, and exercise to achieve life-long results. If patients are unable to incorporate these lifestyle changes, there is a high risk of regaining weight.
Before choosing weight-loss surgery, it is important to understand the different surgical procedures and research the lifestyle impact, and the risks and the benefits of each surgical option.
Benefits of Surgery
Risks of Surgery (see your Surgeon for a complete list)
Back to top
How much weight can I expect to lose?
A: The actual amount of weight-loss varies from person to person. However, research studies show that a person after weight-loss surgery is expected to lose anywhere from 60 - 90% of his or her excess body weight, depending on the type of surgery performed.
Back to top
What health benefits are associated with weight-loss surgery?
A: Research studies have shown a significant improvement in the overall health of patients after weight-loss surgery. Patients who suffer from joint pain, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and cardiac disease have been shown to have dramatic improvements in their health. In many cases, patients no longer need medications to treat these conditions after their weight is normalized.
Back to top
Will my insurance pay?
A: More insurance companies are paying for weight-loss surgery. However, it is still your responsibility to contact your insurance company to confirm your benefits for weight-loss surgery, and under what circumstances they pay.
Back to top
How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
A: The length of your hospitalization is determined by your surgeon, and is often dependent on the type of surgery. Hospital stays can range from one to three days, depending on your recovery rate, which is different for everyone. Factors include your level of post-operative discomfort, your ability to take in adequate fluids, and your mobility.
Back to top
What can I eat after surgery?
A: Each patient is provided with a detailed post-surgical nutritional manual. During the first 24-hours patients are given only ice chips. Once your surgeon feels you are ready, you will be started on a "thin liquid" diet. This includes broth, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar free Jell-O, and protein drinks. After this initial "thin liquid" diet is tolerated, your surgeon will work with you to decide when you are ready for advancement to the next dietary stage.
Back to top
What are the diet and lifestyle changes that I will need to make after surgery?
A: After surgery your stomach will be extremely small and only able to hold a few ounces at a time.
1. You need to be compliant with the slow dietary progression from liquids, to soft foods, and eventually to solid foods.
2. You need to learn how to eat smaller portions, slowly.
3. You must do your part in restricting high-calorie foods by avoiding sugar, fatty foods, and strictly following the guidelines set by your surgeon.
4. You need to develop an exercise program to maximize weight-loss, help prevent muscle wasting, and to avoid regaining the weight.
5. You need to take a multi-vitamin, calcium, and potentially other supplements for the rest of your life.
Failure to follow these guidelines not only puts you at risk for regaining the weight, but also for other medical complications resulting from poor nutrition.
Back to top
Will my hair fall out?
A: Many patients do experience some hair loss. This usually takes place between the third and eighth month after surgery. Consistent and adequate protein intake can minimize hair loss. Most patients do experience natural hair re-growth after a period of time. Please consult your surgeon regarding vitamins or supplements that may help reduce hair loss.
Back to top
