FAQ
As specific as each patient's situation is, so are the questions. Although we cannot answer every question patients have, we have tried to answer the most commonly asked questions. We encourage you to join us at a Bariatric Information Session to find out more.
Why surgery in the first place?
Weight loss by conventional therapies, such as diet, exercise, behavioral modification, or by anti-obesity medications, have a less than 1% long-term success rate. Weight-loss surgery can help the morbidly obese achieve long-term success.
What is the difference between being overweight and being obese?
By definition, overweight is a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29 and obesity is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 30. The obese, as compared to overweight, are at far greater risk of obesity-associated disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory disease and others dangerous diseases.
What are the different types of surgical weight-loss procedures?
The type of procedure that is appropriate for each individual needs to be determined between the surgeon and yourself. To learn more about what type of surgical weight loss procedures exist, the advantages and complications of these procedures and what is the 'gold standard' procedure, please attend a Bariatric Information Session.
What are the risks of these surgeries?
As with any surgery there are risks and complications. Your surgeon will explain the risk factors or you can learn more about surgical complications by attending a Bariatric Information Session.
How much weight can I expect to lose after gastric bypass surgery?
On average, and depending on the individual's motivation, after six months at least 60% of excess body weight is lost and after 12 months at least 75% of excess weight is lost.
How much weight can one expect to regain after surgery?
Studies show that gastric bypass surgery has long-term weight loss success. 95% of patients who have had gastric bypass surgery lose and maintain greater than 50% of their excess body weight and maintain this benefit long-term. 85% of patients lose greater than 75% of their excess body weight. 20% of patients achieve their ideal body weight.
How can I know if I'm a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?
Anyone with a BMI of 40 or greater or who is 100 pounds or more overweight is a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. Individuals with a BMI of 35-40 are also eligible for surgery if they have two or more co-morbidities (diseases associated with obesity).
How long will I be in the hospital?
Length of hospital stay for either an open or laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is about a three to four days. The time spent in the hospital depends upon the individual, their co-morbidities and complication rates.
What kinds of incisions are made to perform the surgery?
The incisions for an open procedure are different from the laparoscopic procedure. At the Bariatric Information Session you can see pictures of the types of incisions made during gastric bypass surgery.
What happens to my excess skin?
The amount of excess skin depends on the total weight loss, age, if the person smokes and how much the skin was stretched. About 25% of patients elect to have plastic surgery after surgery.
Is the gastric bypass surgery reversible?
Gastric bypass surgery is reversible, but to reverse this procedure requires additional surgery. Once the procedure is reversed, there is potential for total regain of all weight.
What is the youngest/oldest age surgery can be done?
On average, the age range to be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery is between 15-60. Being outside of this range does not automatically disqualify you from having surgery, but this would have to be discussed with your surgeon and primary care physician.
When can I return back to work?
Returning back to work depends on motivation of the individual and the type of tasks performed on the job (ie: heavy lifting). This is one of the topics discussed at the Bariatric Information Session.
Will my insurance cover the surgical procedure?
Insurance coverage is ever changing. Coverage is dependent on your individual plan and benefits. You can learn more about the type of information you will need for insurance approval at an Information Session. If your insurance does not provide coverage or you do not have insurance, we do have provisions for self pay individuals.
