Bariatric Surgery Facts
Patients may regain some of the weight lost after surgery. But most patients, given nutritional and behavioral help, maintain successful weight-loss long-term.
Bariatric surgery is absolutely not the “easy way out”. Many morbidly obese individuals have tried many times to follow diet and exercise plans only to learn that it’s easy to lose 10 to 20 lbs. but keeping it off is more difficult.
Unless your bariatric doctor recommends that you don’t drink coffee, tea, or alcohol for other health reasons, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to drink those beverages after bariatric surgery. However, we advise all patients to avoid all alcoholic beverages during the period of rapid weight loss.
Yes, a multivitamin will be needed. You may also need higher doses of certain vitamins or minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Yes. Patients are required to maintain a customized diet to start the weight loss process to understand their relationship with food. Preoperative weight loss can help shrink your liver and reduce fat in the abdomen to lower your risk during bariatric surgery. Some insurance companies may require weight loss up to six months before surgery in order to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.