1. Why
should I have Surgery?
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| 2. What
types of weight loss operations do you perform? We offer the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and the Adjustable Gastric Banding Device. We perform all of these laparoscopically. Patients who are extremely obese (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. |
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| 3.
Can I be considered a candidate for surgery
even though I have one or more associated health conditions related
to my obesity? Yes, most patients typically have a number of obesity related conditions including diabetes, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and hyperlipidemia to name a few. |
| 4. Which procedure
is best for me? The ideal procedure for a patient depends on multiple factors. In general, the Adjustable Gastric Banding device is the safest procedure but, requires a very motivated and compliant patient for success. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is reasonably safe for most patients and produces better weight loss. |
| 5. Can there
be complications? There are many risks and complications associated with these procedures. The most serious complication is death with a rate varying from 0.05% to 1% depending on the procedure. The most frequent complication is a wound infection in the open procedures, usually followed by an incisional hernia in 30% of patients. Laparoscopic weight-loss surgery eliminates this frequent complication. |
| 6. How long will
I be in surgery? The operations range from 2-3 hours. |
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| 7. What is the
length of my hospital stay? Lap RY gastric bypass patients usually ask to leave on the second day after operation. The open cases tend to stay 3 days. We do not force any patients out of the hospital and most request to leave. Occasionally, a patient may have a serious complication and be in the hospital for a month or more. |
| 8.
How long will it be before I can return to pre-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. |
| 9.How will my
eating habits change? Drastically! Your quantity of food will be restricted and you may have a severe reaction to sweets. Typically, both of these improve with time. Ultimately, your success will depend on how well you commit yourself to lifestyle changes and healthy living. |
| 10. What
is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated
health conditions for your other patients?? Typical excess weight loss for RNY ranges from 70% to 90% depending on the starting weight of the patient, and how well the patient follows through with their new diet and exercise regimen. Most associated health conditions like Type II diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea improve or completely resolve within 1 year after the surgery. |
| 11. Do
you have patients who are willing to share their experiences, both
positive and negative? Yes, we request our patients to attend the support group, and ask other patients questions. It is also a great opportunity to learn how to be a successful gastric bypass patient. The more you attend support group, the better your results. |
| 12. What type
of long-term, after-care services do you provide? Our support group meets six times per month and has had weekly topics, guest speakers, and healthy cooking classes. We have a dedicated regsitered nurse, program coordinator who can answer questions, or refer you to the doctors. She is an expert because she has had RNY herself! The physicians will personally work with you on your nutrtition, and our personal trainer also meets with you to discuss your nutritional regimen. In January, our new, 6000 sq. ft. office is expected to open. This will include a 2500 sq. ft. personally training studio. The aftercare program includes one year of utilization of this facility. |
| 13. What
do you expect from me if I decide to choose a surgical solution? We expect that you will comply with the entire surgical weight loss program including diet, exercise, and lifelong follow up. Weight loss surgery is a tool, not a quick fix. If you don't follow through with your committment to healthy lifestyle changes for life, your result will be sub-optimal, and you may gain all of your weight back. |
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