Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the procedure cost?
Procedure costs differ depending on the patient. Each patient's surgery is unique, and may encounter different difficulties post operatively. However, many insurance companies will cover the cost of the surgery, as Morbid Obesity can become a life threatening condition. Each patient should confirm with his or her own insurance company that the procedure and its related expenses will be covered prior to undergoing the procedure
How long will I be in the hospital?
This varies from patient to patient. Any post-operative complications will cause a patient to have an extended hospital stay. On average, a surgery with no complications can warrant a stay between 2 –7 days. Patients can usually return to work 4 to 6 weeks after surgery (sometimes sooner), but should not do any heavy lifting or heavy manual labor for an extended period of time.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Again, each person’s weight loss progress is different. On average, a weight loss of approximately 30% of starting weight is expected. The most weight loss is usually seen in the first few months after surgery. Weight loss usually continues for about 12 – 18 months after surgery. Health eating habits and exercise is critical for continued success.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects vary and are difficult to predict prior to surgery. Some people report problems such as diarrhea, excessive gas, and vomiting. Most side effects can be minimized with changes in the diet. Malnutrition is rare with the current procedures although vitamin/mineral supplementation is essential. All patients are required to take specific supplements for life because the procedure creates changes in nutrient absorption and restricts volume intake.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
It is very important that you do not get pregnant for at least 12 - 18 months after any type of weight loss procedure. You must use a reliable method of birth control throughout this time period. Once your weight has stabilized and the appropriate months have passed, you can become pregnant. It is important, however, to be monitored closely by an obstetrician and nutrition expert familiar with your weight loss surgery. One study at Alvarado Hospital and Medical Center in San Diego, California actually found fewer pregnancy related complications in a post-surgical group when compared to a control group of pregnant morbidly obese women.
Why do I feel more sensitive to cold weather since my weight loss surgery?
Some people do report feeling cold more often, most especially several months after weight loss surgery. The primary reason for this is that fat is a great insulator. By two to three months after surgery, a significant weight loss has occurred. Most of the weight loss comes from the elimination of excess fat from your body. In effect, you are losing your extra insulation as you shed pounds.
When can I start exercising? Are all types of exercise considered safe?
Do not start exercising until your surgeon tells you it is safe to begin. Discuss the type of exercise you would like to partake in at your first check up so you can get an estimated time frame. Most people can begin exercising about 1 month after surgery. This, however, depends on the type of procedure you had done and the healing process. Exercise is actually encouraged, when appropriate, to continue weight loss success.
Are there any medications that I must avoid?
Some medications are not to be used because they may cause ulcers in your pouch. You should permanently avoid using any type of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs also known as “NSAID’s”. Some specific medications to avoid are: Advil, Aspirin, Pepto Bismol, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen. If you are unsure about your individualized medications or any other medication, contact the physician that prescribed the medication and/or your surgeon.
Do I have to take vitamins and minerals for the rest of my life?
Yes. After weight loss surgery, you must continue vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies can occur due to minimal intake, difficulty to absorb some nutrients after surgery, and increased risk of developing long term nutritionally related diseases such as osteoporosis. Most people will require a good multivitamin, calcium (around 1200 mg), ferrous sulfate for menstruating women (325 mg) and vitamin B12 for gastric bypass patients (one injection monthly). Vitamins can be in pill or liquid form. If you decide to take a multivitamin pill, find a chewable or children's vitamin (take two if taking a children's vitamin) for best tolerance. Do not take calcium and iron minerals at the same time and try to avoid taking vitamins on an empty stomach.
Why do some people have hair loss after surgery?
Hair loss after weight loss surgery is usually reflective of poor protein intake. It is important not to deprive your body of protein each day. Each meal should focus on protein intake, especially immediately following surgery. Many people report difficulty with protein foods in the few months after surgery. Below is a list of the most tolerated protein rich foods:
Eggs
Low fat cheese
Low fat yogurt
Beans and legumes
Fish
Chicken (pureed)
Tofu
Milk or Lactaid Alternative
Supplemental drinks (ie. Instant Carnation Low Calorie Drink, Ensure Light, Soy Drinks, etc)
Is it true that some people regain some of the weight that they lose following the surgery?
Weight regain or even minimal weight loss does and can occur. This is usually directly related to consuming high fat, high sugar, easily tolerated foods. Weight loss surgery will only help you lose weight. It is important to follow the nutritional guidelines as a part of your new lifestyle. It is best to avoid the following foods:
Milk shakes and Malt drinks
Pudding
Ice cream
Cakes and other pastries
Chips and other high fat snack foods
Candy
Fried foods
Soft Drinks
How will I know if I have experienced "dumping syndrome"? What is the best way to avoid it?
Dumping syndrome is characterized by nausea, dizziness, stomach cramps and severe diarrhea. It is primarily caused by eating and/or drinking foods high in sugar and/or eating and drinking at the same time. It is essential, most especially after gastric bypass surgery, to avoid high sugar foods and not to drink and eat at the same time. Even small amounts of concentrated sugar can cause dumping syndrome. Avoid foods that have sugar as one of the first three ingredients. Some other names for sugar are as follows:
Sucrose
Fructose
Dextrose Glucose
Lactose
Honey
Corn Syrup
Fruit Sugar
Mannitol
Maltose
Why do some foods get stuck? How can I avoid this?
Some people report that foods get “stuck” at different stages in the digestion process. Foods can get “stuck” for several different reasons but can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines.
1. Chew food extremely well. Do not swallow large chunks of food. If you have a hard time remembering to chew food well, rely on soft and puree foods.
2. Avoid dry foods like bread products, tough meats and snack foods (ie. popcorn, nuts, chips, etc.).
Take your time. Eat in a relaxed setting and give yourself at least 20-30 minutes for each meal. Eating “on the go” is not recommended
I am so thirsty! How can I take in more fluids without stretching my pouch?
Many people complain of thirst especially right after surgery. Although unlimited fluid intake is impossible, adequate hydration is not. If it is difficult to take in enough fluids to satisfy your thirst, consider some of the options below:
1. Suck on ice or ice pops (low in sugar of course!). This will quench your thirst without providing too much fluid at one time. Some people freeze low calorie drinks in ice cube trays for smaller portion size.
2. Eat foods that are naturally higher in water content. Fruits and vegetables have a higher water content than most other foods and can help in keeping your body hydrated.
Avoid high salt, high fat foods. Not only are these foods bad for you, they also make you thirsty.
