Bariatric Surgery Information
in Denver, Colorado
Overview | Goals & Risks | Candidates | How It Works |
Procedure | Preoperative Testing | Complications of Surgery | Postoperative Care | Long-term Care | Expected Outcome | Case Studies | Questions and Answers | Forms
Questions and Answers About Bariatric Surgery
Will my health insurance pay for surgery?
Some insurance companies do have exclusions in their policies for weight loss surgery. An exclusion means that they will not pay for the surgery even if it is proved medically necessary. However, there are some insurance companies that will pay for a portion of the surgery. We can help you determine what your benefits are. Because we need to prove that surgery is medically necessary, we will put together a packet of information to submit to your insurance company. This packet will include your history and physical, nutrition consult, psychological evaluation, blood work, chart notes from your primary-care doctor, and any diet history information you give us.
How do I know if weight loss surgery will be successful for me?
Only you can decide if the surgery is right for you. Surgery is only a tool, since strict adherence to dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes are essential to long-term success. Weight loss surgery will only succeed when you make a life-long commitment to these changes. However, if you are motivated to make these changes, surgery can have a great impact on your life, likely improving the quality and longevity of life.
How effective is weight loss surgery?
Weight lost after surgery is dependent on several factors, including:
- Age
- Overall health (related co-morbidities)
- Weight before surgery
- Ability to exercise
- Adherence to dietary guidelines
- Motivation
Clinical studies show that following surgery most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so for approximately 18 to 24 months. Within 1 year, most patients can expect to lose about 65% of excess weight. And, the long-term success of weight loss surgery is defined as loss of 55% or more of excess body weight and maintenance of that loss for at least 5 years.
Bariatric or weight loss surgery is recognized as the only effective means of long-term weight loss for patients who have repeatedly failed multiple, conventional weight loss attempts.
How big will my pouch be?
The newly created pouch will be about the size of your thumb, with the capacity to comfortably hold about 2 ounces. With time, the pouch will enlarge to 6 to 8 ounces, but it must be carefully managed so that it does not enlarge too much too soon. That's why it is important to follow your dietary and nutrition guidelines that we carefully outline for you.
Will my pouch eventually stretch, and if so, will that affect by success at maintaining weight loss?
Soon after surgery, the average patient can eat approximately ½ to 1 cup of well-chewed food without discomfort. Patients must always eat slowly, reduce meal size, and avoid overeating or drinking excessive fluids. However, it is expected that your pouch will stretch to 6 to 8 ounces at 1 year to 18 months. It is important to follow the dietary guidelines we provide for you and develop good eating habits to optimize weight. Failure to follow these guidelines can defeat the purpose of surgery.
Is it possible to dine out and stick to your diet after your gastric bypass surgery?
Dining out can be a challenging event after your gastric bypass surgery. However, eating out is a reality for most us today. In fact, more than half of Americans eat out daily. Why is it so difficult to stick to your low fat diet when you dine out? The answer is simple. Most restaurants serve large portions, tempting foods, and prepare the dishes with fattening oils, butter and sauces. In fact, some of the entrees at restaurants have more than 1,000-2,000 calories and 50-100 grams of fat per serving! The dining out experience can cost you plenty of calories, fat and "weight loss frustration"! This may cause you to give up the healthy eating altogether. However, DO NOT LET IT RUIN YOUR HEALTHY GASTRIC BYPASS MEAL PLAN! And, we have plenty of tips and advice on how to successfully "dine out" without compromising weight loss.
Can I get pregnant following gastric bypass surgery and is it safe?
Yes, pregnancy can be very safe following surgery. It is recommended that a woman wait until she is 1 year to 18 months post-operative before getting pregnant to assure that her weight has stabilized. If a gastric bypass patient does become pregnant, it is important that labs are monitored regularly to ensure that vitamin or mineral deficiencies do not occur. A prenatal vitamin along with 1500 mg of Calcium needs to be taken daily to prevent neurological or skeletal defects to the fetus. Make sure that your surgeon is aware of your pregnancy so that they can make the appropriate referrals.
Why should I choose a multidisciplinary program?
Team approach to treatment. At CBSI, people who are likely candidates for laparoscopic bariatric surgery will undergo a thorough team evaluation prior to any treatment. To encourage a successful outcome, patients will undergo a multidisciplinary medical evaluation prior to being accepted and scheduled for surgery. In addition, patients will have extensive follow-up by both the surgeon and other health professionals as they progress. Such an approach is associated with long-term successful weight loss.
- Surgical evaluation-a surgeon will discuss with the patient whether or not they meet the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements for undergoing the surgical procedure and whether they are a satisfactory operative risk.
- Nutritional evaluation-a nutritionist will help the patient decide whether they have sufficient motivation towards weight loss to make the necessary lifelong changes in eating habits and exercise that must compliment the surgical procedure. There is also a need for close nutritional monitoring during rapid weight loss, as certain vitamins and minerals are poorly absorbed and need to be supplemented.
- Psychological evaluation-there are two reasons for preoperative evaluation-to identify those in whom surgery would be contraindicated and discuss what adjustments might be needed before surgery is indicated, and to identify those in whom surgery is likely to be a success. The psychologist will discuss with the patient issues that are not unique, but certainly common, among many obese adults such as frustration, food cravings and obsessions, self-esteem or confidence issues, anxiety, and depression, and how surgery may realistically impact their life.
- Intensive consult-it is important for the patient to have a thorough medication evaluation to ensure that the patient is medically ready for surgery.
Bariatric surgery requires a long-term commitment to positive change on the part of the patient; eating habits, physical activity habits, and overall lifestyle habits will undergo significant modification. Clearly, the patient must be prepared and ready for such a challenge. Utilizing such a team approach to bariatric surgery increases the likelihood of success in achieving desirable and realistic weight loss, as well as improvement and satisfaction in daily life for the patient long-term. We also provide and encourage involvement in a support group to assist patients in continuing to maintain their modified lifestyle they have chosen.
What is the value of the CBSI Support Group?
Each month (the 3rd Wednesday of each month), CBSI holds a support group for its patients. It generally follows an education seminar on a topic of interest to most bariatric surgery patients (ie, Dealing with New Body Image, Role of Plastic Surgery, Physical Therapy/Exercise Advice). It is facilitated by bariatric surgery professionals-our nurse practitioner is the facilitator, and our dietitian and psychologist are frequent participants. It is a wonderful opportunity for our patients to gain insight and guidance as they journey through this major change in life.
Participation in the CBSI bariatric surgery support groups is strongly encouraged. Support groups are a valuable aid in learning and feeling comfortable with medications in your daily habits and lifestyle. Talking and sharing with other patients helps you realize any limitations you may feel, and that these limitations likely pale in comparison to those experienced by the person who continues to be morbidly obese. Bring your family and friends as well, as support groups can be a great source of support and encouragement to them as they assist you in achieving your goals.
