Frequently Asked Questions

Q.:  Why should I consider bariatric surgery?
A.:  Studies show – and it is widely known by experts – that if you have a predisposition towards morbid obesity (100 pounds over ideal body weight), the only way to lose that amount of weight, and keep it off, is with surgical weight loss.

Q.:  Who is eligible?
A.:  Anyone with a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with two significant health problems related to their weight.

Q.:  When is surgery considered successful?
A.:   Anytime you lose more than 50 percent excess body weight – which occurs in more than 80 percent of people after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Q.:  What do I have to do to be successful?
A.:  We focus on two practices after surgery that essentially insure success if carried out: Solid, high-protein meals on a scheduled basis, and exercise of your choice one hour a day, five days a week.

Q.:  Do insurance companies cover this surgery?
A.:  Many partially or completely cover surgery, but some do not. We can assist you in looking into this.

Q.:  What dietary restrictions will I have to follow after surgery?
A.:   It depends on the operation that you chose, but your diet will progress to essentially normal, healthy, small meals in the long term.
 
Q.:  How about exercise after surgery?
A.:  The more the better! With laparoscopic surgery you can start almost immediately.

Q.:  How long will it take to lose the weight?
A.:   Again, it depends on the operation. With Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, most will lose 50 percent of excess body weight by six months, with weight loss usually complete by 18 months.

Q.:  Will I regain my weight like I do with diets?
A.:   It has been shown in two good, long-term studies of patients undergoing gastric bypass that, as a group, they regained about 10-15 percent excess body weight at 5-15 years after their operation. However, no individual needs to let that happen. It is exceptionally rare for people to see anything close to complete weight regain. 

Q.:  Can the operation be reversed?
A.:   Duodenal Switch cannot be completely reversed, but can be functionally or practically reversed. The other operations can be reversed.