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 You may still need further information about the gastric bypass procedure. If so, look through the following list of frequently asked questions.
How do I know if I qualify for weight reduction surgery?
You should:
- Have a body mass index equal to or greater than 40
- Weigh over twice your ideal body weight
- Have a documented attempt to lose weight by a medically supervised
diet
- Have a psychosocial evaluation
- Have a primary care physician who is willing to take care
of non-surgical medical problems and long-term follow-up
- Attend patient support group meetings, "Y-Weight"
- Have health insurance coverage
How much weight will I lose?
On average, people lose 2/3 of their excess weight. For example, if you weighed 300 pounds and your "idea" weight is 150 pounds, you should expect to lose about 100 pounds. Of course, weight loss depends on you and how well you follow a good diet and how often you exercise.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
The average time of discharge is 3 to 4 days after surgery. Discharge planning begins on day 1 when we start identifying needs that you might have. Our medical staff will all be working together to make sure your discharge home goes as smoothly as possible. Please take time to talk with the staff about any concerns you have regarding your care at home.
How long does the operation take?
The length of the operation depends on several factors. If you have not had previous surgery and we do not have any difficulty getting to the area of your stomach, then the operation usually takes 2-3 hours.
What are some of the expectations you have of your patients?
Dr. Smith and the surgical team expect you to cooperate with the nurses and therapists in working together with one shared goal, to get you home. In order for us to do this, you must get out of bed the next morning after surgery, use your incentive spirometer when the nurses instruct you to do so and walk the hospital hallways, increasing your activity each day. It is very important for us to work together to achieve this goal.
What can I eat after surgery?
You will be given ice chips on the day of surgery. On the first post-operative day, you will have the swallow test to determine if you have any leaks. If the test is normal, then we will start Step 1 of the gastric bypass diet, clear liquids. If this is tolerated, we will advance you to the Step 2 diet, blenderized soups, and cereals.
What will my long-term diet be like?
- Eat 4-6 small meals a day. Not only is there an adjustment to make about the quantity of food you can eat, you will also have to learn to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
- Drink fluids 15-30 minutes after meals. Taking fluids before or at meal times may cause bloating, low food intake, vomiting, or dumping syndrome.
- Keep a diary of your dietary intake. Include everything you eat and drink, the date/time and if you tolerated the meal. (Did you vomit?)
- Do not eat sweets! This includes candy, "junk foods" and sodas.
- Eat foods high in protein. Protein foods are very important for healing of your pouch and staple line. Hair loss is one side effect of not eating enough protein.
- Eat foods low in fat.
What food supplements are necessary after surgery?
You will need to take your vitamins every day for the rest of your life after you have the gastric bypass surgery. Children's multiple vitamins are chewable and contain the iron and zinc daily requirements. Most patients require calcium, iron and Vitamin B 12 supplements as well.
Will I lose my hair?
Hair loss can accompany rapid and significant weight loss. The most common reasons for this is poor intake of protein. Lack of the mineral zinc can also lead to hair loss. Patients who have not been eating enough protein will usually show some hair loss between four and six months after surgery. Virtually everyone has re-grown most, if not all, of their hair once they have been able to eat enough protein or take some protein and vitamin supplements. The problem improves with achieving maximum weight loss.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients go back to work about 3-6 weeks after surgery. We will be happy to complete a work excuse for you as well as complete any disability forms you might have.
When can I start exercising?
A walking program should be in place before surgery to increase your strength and endurance. We encourage you to get out of bed the first post operative day and increase your activity each day while in the hospital. It is expected of you to walk with nursing staff 4-6 times daily following surgery. By the time you are discharged from the hospital, you should be able to walk without difficulty (getting the mail, morning paper, etc.). Physical therapy will provide a walking documentation sheet and stretching exercises to continue on your own at home. Your doctor will increase your exercise as your incision heals. At three months post-op you may be given a more advanced weight training and aerobic program prescribed by your doctor provided by physical therapy.
What are the surgical and post-operative risks and complications?
Gastric bypass is major surgery. This operation is associated with a complication rate of about 20% (one in five). This means that about 1 in 5 patients have some type of complications after surgery. Some of these complications are as minor as a draining wound to more major complications such as, wound infection, bleeding, abscesses, ulcers and hernias. Life threatening complications are deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot. This blood clot can travel up to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and possibly cause death. Most patients also have loose, flabby skin and certain parts of the body after weight loss. These areas include the stomach, underarms, thighs and neck.
Why may I be required to see a psychologist before I can have the surgery?
Weight reduction surgery is often more stressful than people expect. Some people are surprised to find that, after surgery, they have problems with depression, anxiety, and relationships. People are at highest risk for these problems when they are not feeling emotionally strong or are not psychologically prepared for the lifestyle change they have to make.
When does my insurance approve my upcoming surgery?
After you finish the preoperative evaluations, we will send your paperwork to your insurance carrier to request an approval for surgery.
What if I still need more information?
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