Prepare for Surgery
About the Surgery
Each of the bariatric surgery options offered by Hurley are designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals. While each bariatric surgery is a little different, there are many similarities between the procedures. The approaches for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the adjustable gastric band are discussed below so you know what to expect on the day of your weight loss surgery.
Your bariatric surgeon will make 4 to 6 small incisions in your abdomen. The incisions will not be greater than 1 inch. A laparoscope, camera, light and other surgical instruments will be inserted through these incisions, so that your bariatric surgeon can access your stomach.
Your bariatric surgeon will then use carbon dioxide to inflate your abdomen for a better view of your stomach and other organs.
- Gastic Bypass: During the gastric bypass procedure, your surgeon will separate your stomach into two parts, with more than 95% of your stomach “bypassed” after the surgery. There will be a small pouch at the top of your stomach that your surgeon will connect to a bypassed portion of the intestine. Your stomach will be approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce after the surgery.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy:During the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, your bariatric surgeon will remove approximately 75 to 85 percent of your stomach, maintaining the remainder of your digestive tract. This preserves the natural continuity between the esophagus, stomach and small intestine so malabsorption rarely occurs.
- Adjustable Gastric Band: An inflatable silicon band is placed around the stomach to create a small pouch in order to restrict the amount of food that it can hold at one time. The adjustable gastric band will need to be adjusted after surgery to ensure optimal weight loss.
Typically, these bariatric surgery procedures are completed laparoscopically. However, you and your doctor will decide which approach will be safest and most effective for you.
After surgery, you will spend several hours in a post-surgical recovery area and either be discharged home or be admitted for an inpatient stay. While each case is different, most bariatric surgery patients either go home the same day of surgery or spend 1 night in the hospital.
FAQ
How do I know which bariatric procedure is right for me?
If you are thinking about bariatric surgery, we encourage you to watch online or attend one of our free live educational bariatric surgery seminars to learn more about the procedures we offer at the Hurley Comprehensive Weight Loss Center: Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Adjustable Gastric Banding.
Each bariatric procedure has its own unique benefits and risks. If you decide to pursue bariatric surgery, you and our expert care team will discuss each of the surgical options and your weight loss goals. You will learn about the differences between gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. Once you and your medical team decide which surgical weight loss procedure is right for you we will work together with you to create a customized plan that will help to safely achieve your weight loss goals.
How much weight loss will occur after my bariatric surgery?
Each bariatric procedure produces different weight loss outcomes, which you and your expert care team will discuss before you undergo your bariatric surgery. However, on average one year after bariatric surgery, patients that undergo gastric bypass will lose approximately 60-70% of their excess body weight, those that select sleeve gastrectomy typically lose approximately 50-60% of their excess body weight in the first year, and individuals with an adjustable gastric band lose approximately 40% of their excess body weight in the first year. Achieving these weight loss results varies from person to person and is highly dependent upon the patient’s commitment to and compliance with the post-surgical diet and exercise regimen.
Remember, each bariatric procedure has its own unique benefits and risks. You and your care team will decide on the approach that will help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
What are the risks associated with bariatric surgery?
As is with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery. Risks include bleeding, infection, and post surgical mortality. Please discuss the specific risks you will face with bariatric surgery as it relates to your health conditions and the surgical procedure desired. Each weight loss procedure, including gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding, has its own unique benefits and risks.
How long will I stay in the hospital after my bariatric surgery?
Each bariatric procedure, including gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding, offers different benefits and recovery times to surgical weight loss patients. Laparoscopic approaches require a shorter stay than traditional open bariatric surgery approaches and some patients can go home the day of surgery. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures completed laparoscopically generally require a 0-1 day hospital stay, whereas a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band has a shorter stay of 0-1 day.
What can I do to prepare for my weight loss surgery?
You and your expert medical care team will meet on several occasions to help you prepare for weight loss surgery. You will work together to create a customized weight loss treatment plan designed especially for you. While individual weight loss treatment plans are tailored to each patient, the steps are often similar.
Your care team will encourage you to start making changes in your activity and nutrition habits that will help you prepare for weight loss surgery as well as life post-surgery. This will help you to meet your weight loss goals safely and effectively. Your care team will also educate you on possible nutrition deficiencies associated with surgical weight loss and tips on how you can avoid them.
We have also found that enlisting the support of family and friends can help you in a successful weight loss journey. By involving them, they can help you to make healthy choices and keep you motivated throughout the process.
Will I know what my exercise and diet requirements are after my weight loss surgery?
Yes! Your expert medical care team will meet with you prior to surgery, after weight loss surgery and as needed to discuss exercise and diet requirements. Before you undergo weight loss surgery, it is likely that your care team will prescribe a diet and exercise program that will help you to prepare for your bariatric surgery.
In addition to meeting with your bariatric surgeon, you will have a one on one meeting with a dietitian to assess your weight loss history and provide you with information on nutrition expectations and required changes in eating behavior that are necessary for your success after bariatric surgery. The dietitian will help you develop a customized plan that will help you to safely and effectively achieve your weight loss goals through diet after bariatric surgery. You will also attend classes where you will be taught how to avoid nutritional deficiencies as well as the benefits and risks associated with your particular surgery.
How long after bariatric surgery before I can return to work?
Most individuals return to work 2-4 weeks after bariatric surgery. However, complete participation in pre-surgical activities will vary according to your physical condition, the specific activity as well as the weight loss surgery that you selected.
Your care team will continue to monitor your progress and make recommendations based on your specific case.
What type of support is available after my bariatric surgery?
Medical studies reflect what we’ve seen firsthand: Individuals that are committed to their post-operative care are more likely to be successful in maintaining their weight loss after bariatric surgery than those who do not participate in follow-up care.
At Hurley Comprehensive Weight Loss Center, our team is devoted to your wellness and long-term weight loss success. With this in mind, we expect to share in your progress and discuss your journey with you at regular follow-up clinic visits.
Bariatric surgery support groups can be helpful to you and instrumental in your weight loss success. The Hurley Comprehensive Weight Loss Center is pleased to offer you medically supervised bariatric surgery support groups.
If you are thinking about bariatric surgery, we encourage you to attend one of our free online or in-person educational bariatric surgery seminars.
Register online or call 810-262-2330.