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Bypass FAQs
Some Frequently Asked Questions about our surgery program:
- Who is an appropriate candidate?
- What are the benefits of weight-loss surgery?
- What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
- What's special about this program?
- What are the patient's responsibilities?
- What if surgery is not right for me?
Who is an appropriate surgery candidate?
Surgery is a remedy of last resort. It requires the patient's absolute dedication and cooperation.
In order to be considered a candidate for obesity surgery, you must also:
- Weigh at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight;
- Have made multiple diet attempts;
- Have medical problem(s) caused by obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pains, reflux);
- Be motivated to undergo a change in lifestyle and eating habits;
- Be fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
An option for those who are significantly obese, program participation includes a clinical evaluation, attendance at educational classes and support group meetings as well as a medical evaluation and consultation with the surgeon. Additional studies and consultations to identify and reduce surgical risks may be necessary. You must also be familiar with and agree to our guidelines for patient responsibilities.
What are the benefits of weight-loss surgery?
- The amount of food consumed at one time is limited.
- Satisfaction and elimination of hunger is enjoyed after eating small food portions.
- Cravings for sweets are altered or reduced.
- Initial, immediate and rapid weight loss with continued but moderate weight loss for 18 - 24 months.
- Improvements with and sometimes elimination of many obesity-related medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, reflux disease, high cholesterol, urinary incontinence, shortness of breath and leg swelling.
- Participation in most normal activities and attainment of an active lifestyle.
- Long term success - studies have shown the majority of patients can keep off most of their weight lost over time.
In short, bariatric surgery offers a tool that can be used to achieve permanent weight loss, and provides the opportunity to return to a "normal" lifestyle.
What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
While we take many precautionary measures, sometimes complications occur. We feel it is important for all patients who are considering bariatric surgery to be familiar with those risks. Risks vary depending on the type of procedure, so check with your doctor. Some risks include:
- Gallstones
- Incisional hernia
- Stomal stenosis (scarring of the opening between pouch and intestine)
- Ulcer
- Wound infection
- Small bowel obstruction
- Blood clots in lungs
- Post-operative bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Splenectomy
- Death
What's special about this program?
In addition to our comprehensive, multi-specialty approach, we carefully evaluate all prospective patients to ensure they are good candidates for the surgery.
This includes:
- Evaluation through questionnaires and individual consultations with various members of our care team, including psychologists.
- Education through video, group classes, support group and individual, one-on-one sessions.
- Regular ongoing support during pre-op and post-op periods.
What are the patient's responsibilities?
Bariatric surgery is a tool in the weight loss and maintenance process. While it is a proven way for the severely obese to lose weight and keep it off, it is not a quick fix or magic cure. The potential patient should clearly understand what the proposed operation involves. The benefits and risks should be carefully considered before deciding to move forward with the operation. In order to make the surgery work for you, it is vital that you understand your responsibility in its success.
You must:
- Thoroughly review all information about your surgery
- Recognize limitations of the surgery.
- Adopt a sensible, low-fat, sugar-free diet and maintain it for life.
- Exercise at the recommended activity level.
- Take vitamin supplements for life.
- Quit smoking at least 60 days before surgery.
- Recognize there may be short-term or long-term complications.
- Address personal issues associated with your journey in morbid obesity.
- Follow the advice of your care team.
You will be required to attend a 12-week nutritional/behavioral education program taught by our care team.
What if surgery is not right for me?
Sometimes surgery is not the right option. You may have a medical condition that makes the surgery too risky. Or, sometimes, candidates are not ready for the lifestyle changes and lifelong commitment needed for a successful surgical outcome. There are still other good choices for weight reduction available through Weigh Your Options.
Read more about non-surgical options.
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