Weight-Loss Surgery

Lose the mystery of losing weight.

Discover yourself. Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery now at Doctors Hospital.

Whether you have surgery to make your stomach smaller and bypass some of your intestine (Roux-en-Y) or have an adjustable silicone band placed to decrease your stomach pouch (Lap Band/Gastric Banding/Gastric Sleeve), bariatric surgery may be your best chance to lose weight. For those who are severely overweight, weight-loss surgery and lifestyle changes can lead to a longer and healthier life.

Is it weight-loss surgery for me?

It's not what you've got to lose, it's what you'll gain. How do you know if you're a good candidate for bariatric surgery?

• If you're a man, you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight.
• If you're a woman, you are more than 80 pounds over your ideal weight.
• If your BMI is 35 to 39 with one or more additional but independent diseases or BMI is >40.
• If your BMI is >50, the gastric sleeve may be an option.
• Or you may have weight-related life-threatening conditions such as: heart problems, sleep issues or diabetes.
• You have tried, unsuccessfully, more than one medically supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification plan.
• You plan to attend a weight-loss seminar.
• You agree to undergo preoperative testing.
• You agree to attend postoperative testing, counseling and attend support groups.
• You are willing and capable of making substantial changes in your behavior and nutrition—for the rest of your life.

Some conditions, such as alcoholism, psychiatric issues, hormone-related obesity or liver disease may prevent you from being a candidate for weight-loss surgery.

Ask your physician for a complete evaluation and to advise you. If you need a doctor, click here to find one.

What kind of results do people experience?

The amount of weight you lose will depend on the type of procedure you have (Roux-en-Y, Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve). It will also depend on how drastic your new nutrition and exercise plans are from your old habits. Your age and gender also affect your results. Typically, most weight-loss surgery patients lose 36 to 90 percent of their excess weight in their first year or so following surgery. In addition to weight-loss, many patients no longer need medication for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea or back pain.

How do you prepare for bariatric surgery?

• If you smoke, you'll need to stop.
• Your doctor will prescribe a list of tests and lab work.
• You'll have to cease alcohol consumption and aspirin or arthritis medication approximately one month before your surgery.
• You may want to discuss blood donation options with your surgeon should you need transfusion during surgery. Do this at least one month before surgery as you may want to donate your own blood.

Risks and side effects.

Please talk with your doctor, your surgeon and other bariatric surgery patients. And do your own research. This kind of alteration of your body will require you to make lifelong changes in your eating and exercise. Complications from either the surgery or your postoperative behavior can be dangerous. Remember, no matter what form of procedure you have, you will have a radically reduced stomach and a reduced capacity to absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Immediately following your surgery.

We'll monitor you closely for at least 24 hours in a special care unit then in your hospital room. Prescribed medication will help with residual pain. If you have Lap Band surgery, you'll probably be able to go home in a day.

If you have Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve surgery, you'll probably be able to go home in two days.

If you have Roux-en-Y surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for three to five days.

There may be exercises to do right away to help the blood circulate in your legs properly. We'll help you get up on your feet and walking as soon as you're able.

Post-surgical food.

Liquid. Everything will be pureed or liquid. And you'll eat in very small amounts—very frequently. If you feel nauseous, sucking on ice chips will be helpful. Your surgeon and doctor will advise you as to when you can start on your new diet of whole foods. While you're here in the hospital with us, specialists will come to visit you and talk about:

• Nutrition and new meal plans
• Exercise plans
• Support groups
• What to watch for

Your new life.

Some foods will be too rich or too fatty or too bulky. What and how much you eat will change drastically. Your nutritionist and doctor will help you experiment with diet and supplements. It's important that you keep your medical and support teams up to date on how you feel. And remember that it could take a full year to feel "normal." But you'll find that your increased energy and improved psychological state will pull you along to a healthy new life.