Gastric
Bypass
FAQ's
What is the best method for weight loss
surgery?
Gastric Bypass Surgery via the Roux-en-Y is
generally considered to be the best surgical
procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity.
The functional portion of your stomach will be
reduced to a small pouch that is about one ounce
in size and then a small opening between the
stomach and the intestine will be created.
Gastric bypass has
helped many morbidly obese individuals
successfully lose 100 or more pounds. This
procedure is recommended as a weight loss
option for medical reasons rather than
cosmetic.
Can I get pregnant after the surgery?
Yes, however it is recommended to wait
approximately one to two years, especially
with the Gastric Bypass. With the LAP BAND
if an unexpected pregnancy should occur,
the saline could be removed to allow for
more caloric intake. For many people
fertility increases after weight loss so it
becomes easier to get pregnant.
Will I need plastic surgery to remove
excess skin after I've lost the weight?
It varies from person to person. The amount
of excess skin will depend on skin
elasticity, amount of weight lost,
hydration, exercise, and age. Personal
tolerance is also a key factor; how much
loose skin each person is willing to live
with varies. You should wait until a few
months after your weight has stabilized
before considering skin removal.
How much does the surgery cost?
The cost varies
depending on where you have the procedure done. A typical procedure can cost between $20,000
and $35,000. This includes hospital fees as well as the surgeons and other
professional fees. Many health insurance companies will pay for some or
all of the costs. Although
it may be covered by your insurance company, some do not cover the
procedure at all. It is important to understand what is
covered in your policy
How soon can I have the surgery done?
If you are paying for the procedure
yourself, without insurance, it is possible
to have surgery in as little as 3 weeks. If
you have insurance and want them to cover
the surgery, then it depends on what
paperwork is required. With commercial
insurance, it can take two weeks to twelve
months to get approval. It depends on their
specific requirements.
How do I qualify for gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric
bypass surgery is only recommended for people who are 90 pounds or
more overweight and have serious medical complications
that will be helped or cured by substantial weight
loss.
What happens if my insurance won't cover the
surgery?
Many insurances will cover surgical
treatment of morbid obesity. Each policy is
different so our insurance team will call
your individual policy to check for the
benefit. There are options. Consider
changing plans during open enrollment, seek
out a different insurance policy with
bariatric coverage, or consider financing
the procedure. The cost, without
complications, is $25,000 for the Gastric
Bypass and $15,000.00 for the LAP BAND.
What can I eat right after surgery?
Clear Liquids - The first stage of
the gastric bypass diet, clear liquids
(meaning beverages that you can almost see
through), usually lasts for a day or two
after the operation. The clear liquid diet
starts with sips of water, and then allows
foods like sugar-free juice, diet gelatin,
bullion or clear broth, and flat (no fizz)
diet soda in small amounts, usually 2-3
ounces at a time.
Low-Fat Full Liquids - If no
problems are experienced with clear
liquids, the gastric bypass diet advances
to high-protein liquids like diet Carnation
Instant Breakfast™ or Ensure™. This stage
of the diet is started before discharge
from the hospital and lasts for 1 to 2
weeks. Most patients also begin taking a
chewable multivitamin/ mineral supplement
at this stage.
Soft/Purée Diet - The physician will
indicate when it is time to advance to the
soft or purée diet. Some patients are able
to start this diet after they have been out
of the hospital for about two weeks. Others
may need to wait longer. The purée diet
includes very soft, high-protein foods like
scrambled egg, low-fat cheese or cottage
cheese, or lean meats like tuna fish,
chicken, or pork that are put in a blender
(some patients find it more convenient to
use strained baby foods).
Regular Diet - The regular diet
starts about 8 weeks or later after gastric
bypass surgery. While this diet includes
all 5 food groups, it is important to start
with high-protein foods, like lean meats or
milk, at every meal. Each meal or snack
should be small, with liquids consumed in
between meals. Ask a dietitian for advice
on planning an individualized regular diet
pattern.
Once I've fully recovered, can I go back to
eating normal food?
After gastric bypass surgery, it is very
important to avoid foods that are high in
fat, sugar or 'empty' calories (such as
chips, soft drinks and junk food). Other
foods that may cause problems are dry
meats, bread, rice, pasta, popcorn, fibrous
fruits and vegetables, and greasy or fried
foods. Alcohol also has a high number of
calories and breaks down vitamins and
nutrients in your body. It is suggested
that you completely refrain from drinking
alcohol for the first year after surgery.
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