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GENERAL QUESTIONS
POST-OPERATIVE QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
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No!!! Surgery is only a tool, and the beginning of a new process and new life. After surgery you will need to follow a progressive diet that is low in fat and sugar. Diet and exercise is still how weight loss/weight control is accomplished. You must commit to a change in your dietary habits and an exercise regime for maximum success.
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Weight loss varies depending upon your pre-operative weight and your commitment to following the diet/exercise recommendations after surgery. On an average, people lose approximately 75% of what they were overweight. (i.e. if you were 100 pounds over your ideal body weight, you would lose an average of 75 pounds - if you were 200 pounds over your ideal body weight, you would lose an average of 150 pounds).
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Most patients completely recover from surgery in six (6) weeks to three (3) months. However, most patients return to work somewhere around 4-6 weeks after surgery. If you have a non-strenuous job (no lifting greater than 10-15 pounds), you may be able to return to work at 3-4 weeks. During the first few months after surgery, you will find that your body uses a great deal of energy for the healing process. This means that there is not a lot of energy "left over" for other activities. You will have days when you seem to have more energy and others when you seem to tire easily. When you feel tired, take time to rest. However, the more you can do the better. Be sure to listen to your body and use common sense.
POST-OPERATIVE QUESTIONS
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Please refer to Chapter 3 for specific diet information. You will be on a liquid diet for the first 10 days. For the next 2-4 weeks, you will be on a Soft/Puree Diet and then after that (essentially 6 weeks after surgery and beyond), you will follow a regular diet that is low in fat and low in sugar. Remember that when you begin solid food, you will want to avoid breads, pasta, meats, and high calorie liquids. When you eat any meal, THINK PROTEIN FIRST (i.e. eat whatever is on your plate that is protein first). If you have specific questions after surgery, the nurse from the office can help to answer your questions. In addition, you can schedule a consultation appointment with our dietician if necessary.
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Yes. Any time you go through rapid weight loss, you can experience hair loss. This is generally a problem noticed from around 3 months to one year after surgery. This is temporary and varies from one person to another. The hair typically comes back fuller and richer than before. Some additional things you can do is increasing your protein intake, making sure you are taking two complete vitamins daily, and taking Flax Seed Oil. In addition, some patients find it helpful to use special shampoos available at the drug store for hair loss.
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You may resume sexual activity when you're comfortable. This is usually about three (3) weeks after surgery.
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The skin incision needs to be sealed prior to going swimming or soaking in a tub. This is usually 3 weeks after surgery. Showering is fine - just put your back to the stream of water so that it is not directly spraying on your incision.
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Yes - especially for the first year. Total sun block should be used. Direct sun tends to make scars thicker/darker and more prominent.
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Any medications that irritate the stomach should be avoided. Some anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Celebrex, Vioxx) may irritate the stomach. This doesn't mean you can't take them - just be careful.
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You will continue to take it as prescribed for the first two (2) months after surgery. After that point, you can take it as needed.
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Everyone is different. This depends upon your particular skin elasticity. Toning exercises will also help.
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Exercise can certainly help! However, if you lose an excessive amount of weight, more than likely you will have some excess skin. Some patients opt for plastic surgery to correct this problem but it is truly a personal decision.
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The decision for plastic surgery after weight loss is a personal one. Should you desire removal of excess skin, we recommend you wait until your weight is beginning to stabilize (usually about 1 year after surgery).
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Yes, as long as there are no other fertility problems. In fact, weight loss is a treatment for infertility. It is recommended that patients who undergo weight loss surgery wait one (1) year after surgery to get pregnant.
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Depression is a complex biological event, which can be triggered by surgery. In addition, weight loss can trigger some chemical and hormonal imbalances leading to depression. Often patients have an established relationship with a psychologist or psychiatrist prior to surgery. Some patients will need medication for depression, or those who are on it may need an alternative medication. The important thing is to talk about your feelings and seek help if necessary.
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Yes, it is anatomically reversible since all of the "pieces" are still there. However, the surgery needs to be thought of as a permanent operation.
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The operation is a tool which controls your weight by requiring a modification in your dietary intake. If you do not use it correctly, you can regain the weight you have lost. The three common culprits to poor weight loss or weight regain are: 1) not exercising; 2) drinking high calorie liquids; and 3) grazing (eating little bits throughout the day).
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Not yet, although some do not lose enough weight. The operation is a tool to help with weight loss. It is still diet/exercise that makes this work. You are the only one who controls this.
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