Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon can I go back to work?

It is recommended that you get clearance from the doctor first before going back to work. Patients who have had the procedure done laparoscopically can go back to work within two weeks. Patients having the procedure done open can go back to work after 6 weeks. Most patients can go back to work as soon as they’re ready as long as there is no heavy lifting of over five or six pounds for the first six weeks, or strenuous activities. If you need to take the full two or six weeks off, we can put you on disability during this time.

2. How soon can I go swimming after the surgery?

The doctor recommends that no swimming, hot tubs or soaking in the bath tub until your wound has fully healed after 6 weeks post operatively.

3. Will I need plastic surgery to remove excess skin after the surgery?

There is no way of knowing if you will need plastic surgery after surgery. It all depends on how much over weight you were prior to surgery, your age, how you carried your weight and how much exercise you do after surgery. Unfortunately sometimes no matter how much exercise you do it will not take care of the excess skin. If you are considering plastic surgery, we have a plastic surgeon that works along with our team that would have a consultation with you.

4. How soon can I have a tummy tuck and is it part of the cost?

It is recommended that you wait until you’re close to your ideal weight. The tummy tuck is not part of the initial cost of the gastric bypass.

5. How will my body know when to stop losing weight?

Everyone has a preset body weight. Most patients stop losing anywhere between 10 to 30 lbs above their ideal weight. I f you want to get any lower then you must work at it.

6. Is there a protein pill?

Unfortunately there is no protein pill. They do have an amino acid tablet, which may say on the label 1,000 mg of amino acid. This is equivalent to about 1 gram of protein. It would be impossible to get the adequate amount of protein through tablet form. Your multi vitamin does not contain adequate amounts of protein to meet your daily needs of about 60 grams.

7. How soon can I drink sodas?

Patients should not drink carbonated beverages until at least 3 months post operatively. The carbonated beverages may cause excessive amounts of gas and balloon the pouch.

8. How soon can I resume sexual relations after surgery?

Patients can gently resume sexual relations when the patients desire and are able.

9. Can I have children after this type of surgery?

Yes. Patients are strongly recommended to wait at least 1 year post operatively. It would be too much on mom and baby. Most patients can lose up to 70 to 100 lbs during the first year. Once your weight loss has stabilized, you may become pregnant.

10. How much pain will I be in after the surgery?

It’s hard to say how much pain you will be in after surgery. There are many factors such as the type of surgery you have; also everyone has a different threshold for pain. The doctors find that by keeping the patients as comfortable as possible the patients are more apt to do the things they are supposed to such as sitting up, walking and doing the deep breathing exercises.

11. Will I lose all of my hair after surgery?

No. Patients may experience some hair loss due to inadequate amounts of protein and vitamins. It’s highly recommended that the patient have their lab work done on a regular basis at least every three months the first year.

12. What is a Hernia?

Hernia is a weakening of the abdominal wall due to excessive lifting and strenuous activities.

13. Will I be able to travel after the surgery?

Most patients are able to travel home after surgery, although it is highly recommended that if you are traveling for any length of time that you get up and walk every hour to prevent blood clots. Patients may begin driving usually ten days from the date of surgery.

14. Can I climb stairs after surgery?

Sometimes it’s almost impossible to avoid climbing stairs post operatively. It is recommended that the patient take one stair at a time very slowly to avoid any possible strain. Do not carry any items upstairs until 6 weeks post operatively.

15. How soon can I get the process started once I switch my insurance?

Each and every insurance company is different. If you are switching from an HMO to a PPO or POS plan through your employer, most preexisting is usually waived. You may start the process as soon as the insurance goes into effect. If you are picking up insurance for the first time, there may be rules and preexisting conditions where the patient may have to wait a certain amount of time before they can have surgery. Please read your exclusions and limitations booklet, under preexisting conditions. The Surgilite staff will be happy to guide you in the right direction.

16. How old do you have to be to get this surgery done?

As young as 11 years of age and as old as 60 years of age as long as the patient has had a life time history of morbid obesity.

17. Do I continue to take my regular prescribed medications?

Yes. Do not stop taking any medications unless the doctor tells you to do so. Patients must have a very close follow up with their primary care physicians post operatively as well as the Surgilite team to regulate their medications. Weight loss may alter the need for strong medications.

18. How would I know if I qualify for Laparoscopic surgery?

Prior to your surgery, the doctor will predetermine whether you qualify for the Laparoscopic surgery.

Patients may not qualify if they have had any abdominal surgery in the past and are over 300 lbs.

19. How big is my pouch after surgery?

The approximate size of the pouch is 15 - 20cc.

20. How will I know when I’m full?

It’s not very hard to figure out when you are full. Most have a very strong feeling of uncomfortableness, or a feeling of fullness in the middle of the chest area.

21. Can I have someone in my family stay with me while I’m in the hospital?

During the day, family members may visit the patient during visiting hours. Due to strict hospital guide lines family members will not be allowed to stay at the hospital. Family members may stay at a nearby hotel. The Surgilite team will be happy to direct you to a nearest hotel that fits your needs.

22. How soon can I lift weights?

Most patients need prior clearance from the doctor, which is usually six to eight weeks post operatively.

23. What should I do when I dine out?

Most restaurants are willing to adjust the menu to fit your needs. Patients may order side dishes. Patients are also given a meal card after surgery, so they can order child size portions.

24. Can I have follow up with my primary care physician after surgery?

Yes. Please have your primary care physician’s office contact Surgilite Medical Group, so both offices can closely monitor your progress.

25. What happens if I have complications?

If at any time you are experiencing problems, please call the Surgilite office immediately to consult with the doctor. For after hours call the office, the exchange will connect you to the doctor. He may direct you to go to the nearest emergency room for tests.

26. Can I apply vitamin E on the incision?

It is recommended that you speak with the doctor first before applying any type of cream, lotion, oil, or ointment. Wait at least six weeks before you start applying vitamin E, as it may soften the incision area and cause the incision to spread.

27. Is the Roux En Y Gastric Bypass operation the same if I have it done Laparoscopically, versus having it done open?

Yes, the only difference between the two procedures is that one is minimally invasive.