Frequently asked questions
How does weight loss surgery work?
There are two general ways to help decrease a patient’s caloric intake – restriction and malabsorption. Restriction refers to the dramatic reduction of the size of the stomach. This “new” small stomach limits the amount of food that can be consumed and creates a feeling of fullness. With malabsorption, the ability for the intestine to absorb the food that we take in is decreased.
What health conditions are related to obesity?
Obesity increases the risk of developing potentially life-threatening health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, infertility, and in some cases, gastroesophageal reflux. Weight loss surgery procedures are used to reduce your risk of these obesity related health problems, help you lose excess weight and improve your quality of life.
I’m considering weight loss surgery. What can I expect?
Weight loss surgery is most often performed in an outpatient or short inpatient hospital stay, and is done almost uniformly laparoscopically with or without robotic assistance. All patients go through a thorough pre-operative work up including an educational program, nutritional evaluation, medical assessment, and psychological evaluation. Depending upon the individual’s medical conditions, specialty medical evaluations may be required (cardiology, pulmonary, etc.). In most cases, documentation of a “medically managed” non-surgical weight management program is required by insurance and our centers can assist with this process.
Our weight loss specialists will be able to answer your questions clearly and explain the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. It is important to remember that weight loss surgery is a lifelong commitment, and your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes.
Is there anything I can do before surgery to minimize the risk of complications?
Before your procedure, we recommend that you begin making healthy lifestyle changes, such as
- Maintaining healthful eating habits
- Learning about proper nutrition
- Staying active and exercising
- Smoking cessation
- Abstaining from alcohol
We will work with you provide ongoing support, helpful resources and important information that will prepare you every step of the way.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss results will vary for every individual and procedure. Following post-surgical dietary and exercise guidelines is crucial in achieving and maintaining your weight loss goals.
What support services are available for weight loss patients before and after surgery?
We believe it is important to create an atmosphere that gives people hope and positive reinforcement. That’s why all of our bariatric surgery locations offer enhanced pre and post-operative support services, including:
- Pharmaceutical and nutritional consultation
- Dietitian support
- Exercise programs
- Educational seminars
- Daily phone calls from staff to check in and assess your progress
- Support groups where you can share ideas, concerns, and successes with other bariatric patients