Specific Questions About Lap Band and Gastric Bypass Surgery
Will I need to avoid certain foods?
How can I find out if I'm eligible for this type of obesity surgery?
Can I drink Alcoholic beverages?
What's the best way to maintain my weight?
How much weight do you think I can lose?
Do I need to take vitamins?
What kind of follow-up care will I need?
What happens to the excess skin?
What about insurance?
Will the lap band ever be removed?
How can I reduce the chance of developing complications?
Questions about Laparoscopy in general.
After Surgery what foods do I need to avoid?
After obesity surgery, you will start by drinking liquids for a number of weeks, then move onto a soft diet and eventually onto a regular diet, chewing your food thoroughly and eating small amounts. You must maintain a diet that consists of small meals taken at regular intervals rather than 1 or 2 large meals a day. About 1200 calories a day will work. The band has made your stomach smaller and you must eat accordingly. Also avoid foods laden with fat or sugar, try to eat ice cream and other enticing foods only occasionally. An occasional treat will not hurt.
How can I find out if I'm eligible for this type of obesity surgery?
Your doctor will be the final judge, however try the calculator tools on this site and they will give you a general idea of your overall body mass, percentage of body fat, etc.
Can I drink Alcoholic beverages?
We believe you will more comfortable without indulging in alcohol, however an occasional glass of wine may work for you. Carbonated beverages are not a good idea as they may stretch the stomach pouch.
What's the best way to maintain my weight?
This is an answer you already know the question to. Exercise is the primary way to keep weight from returning. Walking will do just fine and even a mile a day will be most helpful.
How much weight do you think I can lose?
In studies conducted by the FDA, they found the average person lost about 35% of their body weight. If you weigh 300lbs now, that would mean you could weigh as little as 195 after the surgery. Of course every case is different, so results may be different as well. Stay on your diet and exercise and expect the best.
Do I need to take vitamins?
As with any diet, supplements can help your nutritional needs. Vitamin B 12, Iron, and folic acid may be reduced. You will need to take a daily multivitamin, and calcium supplement with added vitamin D for the rest of your life. Your physician may order additional supplements if indicated. We suggest you keep a watch on these numbers with your regular doctor at yearly exams.
What kind of follow-up care will I need?
You will need to be committed to long term follow-up. A blood test beginning 6 months after surgery and at least annually after that to assess your level of micronutrients is required.
I've heard that people who have this surgery have all that excess skin hanging around. Will it go back into shape?
Many times when you lose a large amount of weight due to surgery or just diet, the skin can be quite flabby, but give yourself some time for it to bounce back, in the event it still sags to an undesirable degree some plastic surgery can repair it.
Is there any help available to help pay for this surgery? If it is so damaging to my health why is it not covered by my insurance?
In some instances insurance companies do take care of some this expense. Good news from the IRS as they have finally recognized the need to change their law regarding doctors and treatment of obesity. They state: "Obesity is medically accepted to be a disease in its own right. Uncompensated amounts paid by individuals for participation in a weight-loss program as treatment for a specific disease or diseases (including obesity) diagnosed by a physician are expenses for medical care that are deductible under 213, subject to the limitations of that section."
The above rule applies to those of you who suffer from not just obesity, but health related problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, bone and joint disease and heart problems. This rule does not apply I you're doing this to just improve your looks.
We suggest you discuss it with your tax accountant for the full story.
Will the band ever be removed?
The lap-band can loosened to accommodate for certain illness and even pregnancy. After the illness or pregnancy it's a smart thing to have the band tightened again. We have found that if the band is removed the stomach reverts to it's original size and you may too.
Better to stick with the lap-band.
How can I reduce the chance of developing complications?
There are several things a patient can do in preparation for weight loss surgery.
Perhaps the best way to prepare is by becoming an educated consumer. Learn as much as you can, ask questions; seek additional information from appropriate references and websites. Attend informational sessions provided by hospitals.
Identify family/friend support system. This is a life altering major surgery, and you will need the involvement and assistance of loved ones.
This complex surgery should be performed only by a board certified or board eligible surgeon in a properly equipped high volume weight loss center. Board certification means the physician has successfully completed an approved training program and an evaluation process assessing their ability to provide quality patient care in a specialty. The certification is conferred by the American Board of Medical Specialists. The surgeon should be highly experienced in the procedures having performed at least 50 similar surgeries per year. The center should perform at a minimum 100 weight loss surgeries per year, and should present a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss surgery.
If possible, all patients are encouraged to lose weight prior to the surgery.
Patients who smoke cigarettes are encouraged to quit 6-8 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery.
General Questions about Laparoscopic Surgery
What is laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive approach to surgery of the abdomen. Instead of a large incision, laparoscopy usually requires 4 small incisions about the size of a dime, just large enough for a tiny video camera and precision surgical instruments to pass through.
Am I a candidate for Laparoscopic Surgery?
Any adult who is candidate for most elective surgeries can qualify for laparoscopy. Active adults, who don't want to be away from their families or jobs for extended periods of time or senior adults who have better post-operative heart function, less pain and less hospital time.
Can you help Acid-Reflux?
Acid reflux can many times be treated by Nissen Fundoplication rather than major invasive surgery.
What is "Nissen Fundoplication"?
Nissen Fundoplication is a laparoscopic surgery in which the surgeon augments the lower esophageal sphincter pressure by using the stomach muscle to reconstruct a new sphincter.
What kind of recovery time am I looking at after Laparoscopy?
There will of course be some pain in the small incision areas after the laparoscopic surgery. Your hospitizaltion is normally 3-4 days and allow yourself one or two weeks after leaving the hospital before resuming your normal schedule.
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