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Frequently asked questions
- Is bariatric surgery right for me?
- How can bariatric surgery improve obesity?
- If I can’t control what I eat or how much I eat now, how will I be able to do it after surgery?
- When I lose weight, what will happen to all the extra skin?
- Why can’t I snack between meals?
- How soon will I start losing weight?
- Will I lose my hair?
- I know someone who had surgery and regained all the weight. Will this happen to me?
- Is rapid weight loss dangerous?
- Does the surgery require a blood transfusion?
If I can’t control what I eat or how much I eat now, how will I be able to do it after surgery?
After surgery, eating high-fat, high-sugar foods or eating too much may cause uncomfortable reactions, such as vomiting or dumping syndrome. These reactions make it much easier to avoid junk food.
Many people say their tastes change after surgery, and they no longer want unhealthy foods. You may notice that foods you used to love won’t appeal to you anymore, and you may develop tastes for new and different foods. After surgery, you no longer will be able to depend on food for comfort. For some people, it can be difficult to fill the void that used to be filled by food.
If you are concerned about emotional or psychological changes that may occur after bariatric surgery, please talk with your doctor or nurse, or call Park Nicollet Mental Health at 952-993-3307 at any time to schedule an appointment.
When I lose weight, what will happen to all the extra skin?
This is different for everyone. For some people, the skin will tone up and look fine. In other cases, the skin has stretched too much to return to normal. You may be left with sagging skin around your middle or other parts of your body. Some people choose to live with the excess skin; others have it removed. The procedures usually are considered cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance. If excess skin is causing medical problems (such as rashes or sores), your insurance plan may cover the surgery. For more information about procedures Park Nicollet offers to remove excess skin, visit us online at www.parknicollet.com/clinic/plasticsurgery.
Can I still take my medications after surgery?
Ibuprofen® in pill form and aspirin may irritate your stomach, so for aches and pains, you should take acetaminophen (Tylenol®), enteric-coated aspirin (Ecotrin®) or liquid Ibuprofen®. Medications used to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, sometimes are decreased or stopped. Do not discontinue any medication unless directed by your doctor. If you experience difficulty taking pills, some medications are available in liquid form. All medications recommended by your doctor are available at one of 12 Pharmacy @ Park Nicollet locations.
Why can’t I snack between meals?
Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of food you can eat at each meal. The surgery is designed to help you feel full when only eating three small meals a day. Snacking between meals can lead to significant calorie intake, which can sabotage your efforts to lose weight.
How soon will I start losing weight?
You will begin losing weight immediately after surgery. But, don’t be surprised if you actually weigh a few pounds more when you go home than you did when you entered the hospital. This can be a result of all the fluids you were given in the hospital, and the weight will be lost quickly.
Will I lose my hair?
Some people experience hair thinning several months after surgery. Unfortunately, this often is a side effect of rapid weight loss, and you may not be able to prevent it. If you do find your hair getting thinner, keep in mind it is not a permanent side effect. Hair loss will stop as your weight stabilizes, and your hair will grow back.
I know someone who had surgery and regained all the weight. Will this happen to me?
It is not likely, if you stick to your eating and exercise plan. Older weight loss surgery procedures were not as effective as current surgical methods, and more often resulted in staple line breakdown or stretching of the stomach, which led to weight gain. People also regained the weight if they didn’t follow a regimen of healthy eating and exercise. Research shows that people who stick to their plan and see their bariatric team on a regular basis are more successful in the long-term.
Is rapid weight loss dangerous?
Usually it isn’t. After surgery, you will be taking a vitamin and mineral supplement, and blood tests will be done periodically to check blood chemistry and nutrition status.
What is a plateau?
After surgery, you may experience periods when you do not lose weight. These plateaus can last for a few weeks or a few months. Do not get discouraged. Stick to your weight loss plan, and, eventually you will begin seeing weight loss again.
Does the surgery require a blood transfusion?
Most people do not need a blood transfusion, but with any surgery, there is a chance it will be necessary. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about transfusions.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure usually takes two to four hours.
How long will I be in the hospital?
People who have open-incision operations usually stay in the hospital four nights. The average stay for people who have laparoscopic operations is two nights.
How long does it take to recover from surgery?
Most people completely recover in about six weeks. You will be able to return to work two to six weeks after surgery, depending on the physical demands of your job. If you have a laparoscopic procedure, you typically can return to work in two to three weeks. If you have an open procedure, you typically can return to work in four to six weeks.
Can I get pregnant and have children after the surgery?
Yes, if you don’t have other fertility problems. Women should wait at least 18 months after the surgery to get pregnant, until their weight becomes stable.
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