FAQ's_
Q: What are the possible side effects or complications?
A: Refer to the Post Surgery page in the Obesity Surgery Section.
Q: How long will it take to recover from the surgery?
A: As the surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients typically spend less than 72 hours in the hospital. Most patients are able to return to work within a week following the gastric band and within 2 weeks following the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
A: Most of the achievable weight loss will take place in the first two years post surgery.
Q: How is the band adjusted?
A: A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port to add or subtract saline. This process most often takes only a few minutes. Most patients say it is nearly painless.
Q: Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?
A: No. It is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed it should not cause discomfort or limit movements or exercise. The only sensation you may have from the port is when you go in for adjustments.
Q: Can the operation be reversed?
A: Although the band is not meant to be removed, it can be. In some cases this can be done laparoscopically. The stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed. The sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reversed. The gastric bypass can be reversed on rare occasions.
Q: Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
A: That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs to adjust before you decide to have more surgery.
Q: Will I feel hungry or deprived?
A: Obesity surgery makes you eat less and feel full which effects weight loss in two ways– after a small meal you should feel full (this is called improved satiety) and there is less chance of getting hungry between meals. The result is easier weight loss that is more durable as patients no longer have to combat hunger. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you should not feel hungry or deprived.
Q: How will effect it me and my baby if I become pregnant?
A: Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. It is recommended that patients avoid pregnancy for 2 years after a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. A gastric band can be deflated during pregnancy and reinflated after breast feeding hence there is no limitations to pregnancy.
Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements to maintain required levels?
A: You may. It’s possible you may not get enough vitamins from three small meals a day. At your regular check-ups, your specialist will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
Q: What about other medication?
A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this.
Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?
A: As you can only eat a little it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients such as those recommended by your health practitioner. Our dieticians are expert in instructing you how to maximize nutrition yet still enjoy your food and effect weight loss.
