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FAQ
Pre-operative Questions and Answers
Q: Why should I have my surgery with Synergy Bariatrics?
A: Synergy Bariatrics is one of the top bariatric surgery practices in the country, winning several national recognitions and awards for excellent surgical outcomes and superior clinical practices. We offer several surgical options and treat our patients with respect and sensitivity. Synergy stresses the importance of patient education and provides many services to support patients throughout the weight loss surgery journey.
Q: How long will I be out from work after my procedure?
A: Some patients are able to work part-time on light duty within a week or two after surgery. There are slight variances in recovery with procedure type, i.e. gastric bypass, gastric banding, gastric sleeve; and surgical technique, i.e. open or laparoscopic approach. Depending upon your job description, your disability insurance company will allow 4 to 8 weeks of paid time off. If you wish to take more than the time allotted, you may be able to use personal or vacation time.
Q: Will my insurance pay for surgery?
A: Once all preliminary preoperative requirements have been met and your surgeon deems you a surgical candidate, our staff will request authorization from your insurance carrier for payment for bariatric surgery. We write that weight loss surgery is NOT a cosmetic procedure, but is an operation which will help resolve health problems related to obesity. Most insurance companies will usually cover the procedure if you meet their criteria. Unfortunately, some insurance policies have a clause which absolutely excludes coverage of weight loss surgery. In these situations, your options include changing your health insurance carrier or paying for surgery yourself.
Q: How long before my surgery will be performed?
A: A majority of your wait for surgery is attributed to the time it takes for us to receive all preliminary information about you. As required by your insurance carrier, these pieces of information include a letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician, psychological evaluation report, etc. However, once you are seen in our office by the surgeon, your surgical procedure can usually be performed within two months of that visit.
Q: How long should I expect to stay in the hospital?
A: Patients can expect to be in the hospital for just a few days. This will vary slightly with procedure type and technique, but your overall health before and after surgery is the true determinant of whether discharge home is appropriate.
Q: What will my scars look like?
A: Open gastric bypass is performed through a single vertical incision that starts just below the breastbone and measures down approximately 5 to 6 inches. Laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric banding and gastric sleeve procedures insert small operating instruments and a video camera through 6 small incisions in the abdomen. Each of these tiny incisions measure less than 1 centimeter in length.
Post-operative Questions and Answers
Q: Why does dumping syndrome occur after gastric bypass?
A: It can occur when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Symptoms may include a combination of nausea, uncomfortable fullness, cramping, and diarrhea or weakness, fatigue, sweating, and a fast heart rate. Consumption of concentrated sweets can promote dumping syndrome. However, it is important to remember that even fruit juice which provides simple sugars in the diet will not provoke the dumping syndrome if taken in a small amount at one time. Portion control is the key to success!
Q: Why do food intolerances occur?
A: Generally gummy starches like breads, bagels, and pastas are not tolerated early on after surgery, however, small amounts of toasted bread and crackers can usually be consumed without problems.
On the full liquid stage, some foods will be dairy based. There is a chance that you might become lactose intolerant after the surgery which is the intolerance to the sugar and lactose in dairy products. If you experience cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort after consuming any dairy foods, you may have developed lactose intolerance. Some lactose free products, like Lactaid®, soy and rice milk, and yogurt, are generally well tolerated.
Taste alterations are a concern after surgery as well. You may find that as you recover, foods start differently; some foods that you may have loved before surgery are those which don’t appeal to you anymore after surgery. Oftentimes, people who really loved sweets lose their interest in sugary foods. You will have to experiment with your likes. Buy supplements and other foods in small quantities so that you can try various things and re-discover what tastes good to you.
Since food intolerances vary with each individual, your dietitian can help with sorting out food choices to minimize symptoms such as stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea.
Q: Is alcohol safe to have after surgery?
A: Before you consider drinking alcohol in any amount, your must be on a solid food diet. From a nutritional standpoint, alcohol may contribute to malabsorption of nutrients. An occasional glass of wine should be okay, but alcohol should never be substituted for other more nutritional solid foods or beverages. Some patients report that they will feel the effects of alcohol faster than any other time in their life. You should always consult your physician regarding safe alcohol intake post surgery.
Q: What should I do if I become lactose intolerant after surgery?
A: Persons who become intolerant to the sugar in milk, lactose, may develop symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, cramps, or diarrhea after consuming dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant, try Lactaid ® milk or soy milk. Also some people who are “lactose intolerant” can consume yogurt and aged cheeses without any symptoms. You may find that cereals like Shredded Wheat ® and high sugar cereals like Fruit Loops ® when consumed with milk may have contributed to the discomfort and diarrhea as well. Hot cereal should not be a problem. The important thing to remember is to keep your portions small, especially when you are experimenting with adding new foods. Dairy products provide important nutrients and you should consult a dietitian if you are having difficulty.
Q: What about carbonated beverages?
A: You should avoid these beverages as much as possible because the bubbles may cause severe pain, and will enhance burping. Also, soda can be a source of empty calories which can affect weight loss. You will likely miss out on a more nutritious beverage like non fat milk by consuming these high calorie beverages. Soda is also a significant source of caffeine.
Q: What about caffeine?
A: Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea should be okay in moderation unless you experience reflux; then caffeine can make this condition worse. Too much of anything, including caffeine, can have side effects. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can interfere with the absorption of some key nutrients.
Q: Are artificial sweeteners okay?
A: Saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, and sucralose are not real sugars so they do not contribute calories. However be careful with sugar-free foods made with sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol (artificial sweeteners) because they can cause diarrhea in some people. They are sugar alcohols, found in sugar-free chocolate and hard candies.
Q: Can I gain my weight back?
A: Unfortunately, yes! Poor food choices, lack of lifestyle change and exercise seem to be the main reasons. Success and maintenance of weight loss are as much related to you as the surgery itself.
Q: Is burping throughout the day common?
A: Yes, this may be due to the fact that you swallow air throughout the day. The air bubbles in your smaller stomach may cause you to feel the need to burp more frequently.
Q: Is it possible to eat and drink at the same time?
A: Doing so may cause nausea or vomiting. However, some people are able to do both at the same time and experience no discomfort. To prevent discomfort, sip very small amounts of fluids with meals as tolerated. Wait until you are done eating to begin drinking larger amounts.