Listed below are questions and answers frequently asked regarding weight loss surgery. If you have a question you'd like to have answered which you don't see here, you can ask the experts at Southeast Bariatrics. Please fill out the form below and we will respond via email with the answer.
Can I ever lose too much weight?
It is unlikely than someone would lose too much weight. Obstruction of the pouch outlet can occur which may lead to rapid weight loss: this would be corrected with an out-patient procedure called an endoscopy of EGD, although surgery can sometimes be successful.
Will my skin sag?
Weight loss is rapid for the first 6 months and the skin will not be able to keep up initially. Eventually the skin may compensate to a certain degree. The compensation process is greater in younger patients, however exercise improves this process in all patients.
Can I regain my weight?
The largest amount of weight loss occurs in the first 6 months. Most people continue to lose weight slowly for the following twelve to eighteen months. The weight loss typically plateaus at two years and some people will regain a small portion.
How long will it be before I can get back to work?
Every person is different. It can be anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks off from work. If you have a physically demanding job it may be even longer. The length of time will be influenced by the particular job, the particular procedure that is performed and the response of the patient.
How long will I not be able to eat solid foods after surgery?
Most doctors recommend about 4 weeks or more after surgery. A liquid diet with semi-solid foods may be recommended until healing has adequately occurred. Southeast Bariatrics will provide a very specific listing of appropriate foods to eat for the first several months after the surgery.
Why should I drink so much water?
Drinking lots of water helps to get rid of wastes from the body. This helps in the weight loss process. However, the most important reason for the intake of water is to prevent dehydration. Because the newly created pouch can only hold 20cc (four tablespoons) at any one time, it can be difficult to ingest enough water to avoid some degree of dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended to drink small amounts throughout the day.
Can this operation be reversed?
Generally, the bypass operation cannot be reversed, except in very unusual situations. This is a very risky undertaking. The Lap-Band, however, can be reversed.
What is the risk of death from bariatric surgery?
About 1 in every 200 patients nationally. This will vary according to the operative procedure performed.
What quantity of food will I be able to eat after my surgery?
Approximately 1-2 ounces of food per meal. Three meals a day and no snacks between the meals.
Can rapid weight loss be dangerous?
Usually not. To help prevent complications weight-loss surgery patients are asked to take vitamins, supplements, and undergo certain blood tests to check their health status.
Why is it important to treat severe obesity?
In the United States, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death. People with obesity have a shorter lifespan than those without obesity. About 300,000 people die each year from obesity and obesity-related problems. Medicare has recently declared that obesity is a chronic illness.
Does the procedure ever fail? Is there a chance I will gain back my weight?
Most people lose weight after bariatric surgery. But, it is possible in years after the surgery to gain some weight back. How you diet and exercise will have a large effect on how much weight you will lose and for how long. Remember, these procedures are ‘tools’ and not ‘cures’. You must follow your body’s needs.