Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?

With our extensive experience and access to the latest technology, the potential risk with weight loss surgery has dramatically decreased. It is now safer to have weight loss surgery than to remain obese. The risk of surgery has become similar to gallbladder, appendix or hernia surgery.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?

Qualification for weight loss surgery depends on many criteria including weight, age and general health. That means that there is no single answer for everyone. We will work with you to determine if you qualify and, if so, which procedure is best for you.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The gastric band usually takes less than one hour to complete. The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures usually last about two hours. Surgery times will vary based on the patient’s unique circumstances.

How Long Is the Hospital Stay?

Generally, patients who undergo a gastric band may be discharged on the same day. Some will remain in the hospital for a night. Gastric Sleeve patients will most often stay one night and gastric bypass patients up to two nights.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

It is best to view weight loss surgery as a tool for weight loss. We have patients who use their tool and achieve amazing success, but we also have patients who don’t lose as much weight as they had hoped.  Weight loss surgery can make losing weight much easier because you feel full on smaller meals and feel hungry less often. Many patients say they love losing weight without feeling like they are on a diet. If you look at average weight loss percentage one year after surgery, outcomes from the different procedures vary; but if you look at average weight loss ten years after surgery, all of the procedures settle into nearly identical average results. Therefore, there is not one “best” procedure – we will help you choose the type of surgery that is right for you. Ultimately, our goal is to safely perform the procedure that will most effectively and efficiently improve or resolve the diseases associated with the patient’s level of obesity.

Will I Lose Hair?

Hair thinning is common with all weight loss, even medical weight loss.  When you reach your goal weight, the hair will grow back just as full. If you don’t get enough protein this can increase hair thinning. There are hair vitamins on the market but they don’t seem to make a big difference in this symptom. For a while, you will notice more hair in the brush, in the shower drain or on the bathroom floor. When you reach your goal weight, the hair will grow back just as full.

Will I Have A Restricted Diet after Surgery?

Yes. Successful weight loss requires change. The surgery itself is a tool to help you make the necessary changes easier. In general, healthy choices will increase your weight loss success. Foods high in sugar or fat can defeat your success. It’s also best to avoid carbonated beverages to minimize the chance of stretching the stomach pouch.

Do I Have To Attend A Seminar?

Patient education is an important part of our program and we encourage everyone considering surgery to attend a seminar. These seminars will educate you on the ins and outs of surgery and prepare you for a consultation with our surgeon. Therefore, attendance to one of our free seminars is a requirement.  If you would like to participate in one of our seminars please register online or call (513) 939-2263.