FAQs About Gastric Surgery
How much weight will I lose and how fast will I lose it?
The expectation for most patients is that they will lose up to 50% of their excess weight in the first year. That means that if you are 100 pounds over your ideal weight, you will lose 50 pounds within a year of the surgery. If you are 200 pounds overweight, we expect you will lose 100 pounds the first year.
You will continue to lose weight after the first year, just at a slower rate.
Which gastric procedure is better?
Your doctor will discuss your individual circumstances with you and together you will decide which type of procedure is best based on how much weight you need to lose and any other health issues you have.
What is surgery recovery like?
Minimally invasive procedures are performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. You can expect to be in the hospital for at least one night, possibly more, depending on the procedure and your overall health.
How long will it be before I can schedule the surgery?
The average time from initial consultation to actual surgery is about six months. This is because you need to undergo a thorough evaluation of your health and a supervised weight loss program before we can schedule the surgery.
When can I eat normally again?
With any bariatric procedure, it is important you make significant lifestyle changes that include limiting portion sizes and calorie consumption and adding exercise to your routine.
Our bariatric program will provide participants with a nutrition guide that describes in detail what you can consume, in what quantities and in what timeframes.
The guide will also give information about reading food labels, choosing your protein supplements and making healthy food choices so you can successfully maintain your weight.
I've tried to lose weight for years and haven't. Why do I have to lose weight before I can get the surgery?
There are a number of reasons:
- We want you to survive the surgery, and being overweight for a long time has already compromised your health.
- Losing weight before the surgery will help your body withstand the surgery.
- Your liver will become smaller, which is important for the surgeon to have a clear field of vision when performing the surgery.
- By following the restricted diet before the surgery, you will be more acclimated to the new diet and lifestyle you will have to follow after the surgery to be successful.
We will support you in your pre-surgery weight loss by having you work with a dietitian who will give a specific diet and exercise regimen as well as track your progress.
How long will I be out of work after the surgery?
Most people are able to go back to work within 10 days. Work situations can sometimes create stress that may make you overeat, so we want you to be fully in your new diet and exercise regimen before returning to work.
How do I know if surgery or medicine is right for me?
We will help you find the tool that’s right for your individual situation. We want to help all patients who are looking to improve their overall health and achieve optimal wellness with weight loss. We see patients who are not sure what method (surgery, medicine or both) will be most advantageous for them, and teach them about their options to find what will be most beneficial.
Call 301-686-3404 to schedule your free call and get started today.