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Department of Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
FAQs
What is “morbid obesity” or “clinically severe obesity?”
Morbid obesity and clinically severe obesity are medically defined conditions. Obesity is measured by comparing a persons weight to their size in a term called Body Mass Index or BMI. BMI is measured by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by their height (in meters squared). Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI of 40. Persons with diseases associated with obesity like high blood pressure, diabetes, degenerative arthritis, and sleep apnea and a BMI of > 35 are considered to have clinically sever obesity. A BMI of 40 usually corresponds to being 100 pounds overweight.
What are the qualifications for this procedure?
You must be at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight, be between the ages of 18 and 60 , and be able to document other weight loss programs that you have tried, but failed, including at least one medically supervised weight loss program. In addition, a psychologist and a nutritionist will evaluate you.
How safe is bariatric surgery?
As with all types of major abdominal surgery, there is a chance of post-operative complications. Complications may include (but are not limited to) cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, or wound infection. Your surgeon will discuss possible complications and risks with you.
What non-surgical complications are associated with bariatric surgery?
Some common complications are hair loss, vomiting, intolerance of some foods, mineral deficiency, or stoma ulcer development. Most of these complications can be resolved or avoided by good nutrition and carefully eating. Your surgeon has a sound pre-surgical medical plan and comprehensive post-surgical follow-up plan that minimizes the risk of these complications.
How long does the surgery take?
An open abdominal approach gastric bypass usually takes two to three hours in the operating room. A minimally invasive approach typically takes more time.
How big is the incision scar for an open abdominal approach?
The incision scar runs from the breastbone to the navel for an open abdominal approach.
Can the stomach be hooked up again?
This would require a major operation, thus increasing the risk. Bariatric surgery should be considered permanent.
Can I ever lose too much weight?
It is very unlikely with the possible exception of the rare patient who develops obstruction of the outlet of the stomach with frequent vomiting (a correctable condition). The concept of no snacking and no high calorie liquids with meals is so important that the violation of these principles can put weight on readily.
From the time I am seen in the office, how long before I will have the gastric bypass surgery?
In general, after the initial consultation in the office, it can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks to have the gastric bypass surgery. Once we have gathered the information that we need, we send a letter to your insurance company for pre-approval for the procedure. Once obtained, you would then undergo an in-depth history and physical examination as well as some laboratory tests and x-rays. Once those are done, provided there are no additional or unexpected medical problems that would require treatment first, we would schedule your gastric bypass operation.
How long is the hospital stay for a gastric bypass operation?
On average, the hospital stay for gastric bypass surgery is four days, though certainly there are patients who may require an extra day or two. On rare occasions, there have been patients who have gone home on the third day.
How long would I be off work after bariatric surgery?
A: In general, you will need about two to three weeks with no physical activity and six weeks with modified physical work after bariatric surgery.
How much food can be eaten after surgery?
The food intake is limited to one or two ounces per scheduled meal immediately after surgery so that the stomach can heal properly. Later, the quantity of food that can be eaten increases. At its maximum capacity, about six months after surgery, the pouch holds between four to eight ounces of food.
How quickly does a person lose weight after the surgery?
Patients generally lost 60 to 75 percent of their excess weight within the first 6 to 9 months after surgery. After that, weight loss continues until about 18 months post-surgery when the patient usually achieves his/her goal weight. If you exercise and eat healthy foods, your weight loss from bariatric surgery can be significantly greater. Though the gastric bypass operation rarely gets people to their ideal body weight, most patients get within 30-40 pounds.
Can I become pregnant after having the surgery?
Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for one year after surgery because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. If you should become pregnant, you will need to carefully watch your dietary program to make sure you and your baby are well nourished.
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