Commonly asked questions about bariatric surgery.
Q. What is obesity?
A. Morbid obesity is a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight. The disease of morbid obesity interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. Long-term effects of the disease include shorter life expectancy, serious health consequences in the form of weight-related health problems (co-morbid conditions) such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and a lower quality of life with fewer economic and social opportunities.
Q. What causes morbid obesity?
A. The causes of morbid obesity are multiple and complex. Despite conventional wisdom, it is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that, in many cases, significant, underlying causes of morbid obesity are genetic, environmental, and social. Studies have demonstrated that, once the problem is established, efforts such as dieting and exercise programs have a limited ability to provide effective long-term relief.
Q. What is a co-morbid condition?
Q. What is bariatric surgery?
A. Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. It is intended for people who are 100 pounds or more overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) and who have not had success with other weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery.
Q. What is Body Mass Index?
A. BMI is a measure used to index a person’s height and weight. BMI allows healthcare professionals and patients to better understand health issues associated with a specific weight classification (classifications such as obesity and morbid obesity).
Q. How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?
A. Patients should have:
Other common guidelines include:
Q. Is bariatric surgery right for me?
A. Talk with your surgeon about the different surgical treatments, as well as the benefits and risks.
Remember:
Q. What is the difference between laparoscopic surgery and an open procedure?
A. Open surgery involves the surgeon creating a long incision to open the abdomen and operating with “traditional” medical instruments. Laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery is an approach that allows the surgeon to perform the same procedure using several small incisions, a fiber-optic camera, video monitor, and long-handled instruments. Learn more about the differences, as well as why your surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive technique but switch to an open one.
Q. Why would I have an open procedure?
A. The decision to perform minimally invasive or open surgery is made by your surgeon before the operation. For some patients, the laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, technique cannot be used due to dense scar tissue from prior abdominal surgery. Also, the inability to see organs and/or bleeding during the operation can cause your surgeon to switch from minimally invasive to open surgery during your operation.
Q. What is vertical sleeve gastrectomy?
A. The sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric and metabolic procedure that causes weight loss by creating physical and chemical changes in your body. The sleeve gastrectomy works physically by changing the shape and size of your stomach reducing the amount of food you eat at one time. The sleeve gastrectomy works chemically by changing the signals your stomach sends to the rest of your body, including your brain. These signals in your body control your blood sugar levels, increase feelings of fullness, decrease hunger and affect how your body processes and stores the calories from food.
Q. What is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
A. Roux-en-Y (pronounced ROO-en-why) gastric bypass surgery is the second most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” of some of the small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food the patient can comfortably eat, and the bypass decreases the number of nutrients and calories absorbed.
Q. What is a gastric banding procedure?
A. Gastric banding is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. The band is adjustable and can be periodically tightened or loosened depending on the patient’s needs.
Q. How successful is bariatric surgery?
A. Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many co-morbid conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed:
Q. Do I qualify for insurance coverage for the surgery?
A. Because every insurance policy is unique, it’s important that you thoroughly understand your Certificate of Coverage to know exactly what is and isn’t covered through your plan.
Q. What is included in the qualifying process?
A. The qualification process includes a series of tests with your bariatric surgeon. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Q. What are the routine tests before bariatric surgery?
A. Certain basic tests typically are performed:
Other tests that may be requested include:
What impact do my medical conditions have on the decision for bariatric surgery, and how can my medical problems affect risk?
A. Medical problems, such as serious heart or lung problems, can increase the risk of any surgery. On the other hand, many serious medical conditions may improve or resolve after successful bariatric surgery.
What can I do to prepare for surgery?
A. Bariatric surgery is like other major abdominal surgery. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery, and by closely following your doctor’s instructions.
Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
Keep in mind that you’ll never be able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
Write down your reasons for having bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
Practice the post-op diet, including the transition from an all-liquid diet, to pureed food, to a normal diet of smaller portions with 4 ounces of protein.
Start a journal. Record how you feel now, the challenges you face, and the things you hope to be able to do after bariatric surgery.
Ask your family and friends for their support. Talk to them about why you want to have bariatric surgery. It helps to have people behind you, waiting to help.
Q. What is type 2 diabetes and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term metabolic disorder where the body produces insulin, but resists it. Insulin is necessary for the body to utilize sugar.
83.8% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of type 2 diabetes.
47.8% of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of type 2 diabetes.
Patients who had bariatric surgery had lower insulin resistance, and their risk for metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and high amount of fats in the blood also decreased.
Q. What is high blood pressure (hypertension) and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart and kidney damage. Bariatric surgery reduces excess body weight over time, which decreases strain on the heart.
75.4% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of high blood pressure.
38.4% of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of high blood pressure.
Changes in diet and exercise after surgery can lead to significant improvement of cardiovascular problems.
Q. What is high cholesterol and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. High cholesterol is a disorder of lipids—the fat-like substances in the blood. A common form of dyslipidemia is hyperlipidemia (or high cholesterol), the condition that exists when someone has too much of certain lipids in the blood. As these lipids build up inside the artery walls, harmful scar tissue and other debris begin thickening and hardening the walls. Long-term, this can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.
95% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced improved cholesterol health.
78.3% of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced improved cholesterol health.
Q. What is sleep apnea and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Obstructive sleep apnea is when breathing suddenly stops because soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Morbid obesity can cause sleep apnea and other respiratory problems that may result in chronic fatigue.
86.6% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of sleep apnea.
94.6% of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of sleep apnea.
Q. What is acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is injury to the esophagus caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid. It is a serious disease that can cause esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma).
Q. What is the relationship between morbid obesity and cancer?
A. Morbid obesity may put you at a higher risk for several types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and kidney cancer. In 2003, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that obesity could account for:
Q. What is depression and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats, sleeps, thinks, and feels. There are many reasons people with morbid obesity experience depression. Emotional health goes hand in hand with physical health. Lifestyle improvements and renewed health can help resolve depression. Weight loss, combined with counseling, can be very helpful in improving mental health.
47% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced improvement of depression symptoms.
Q. What is osteoarthritis and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Known as the wear-and-tear kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which there is a breakdown of joint cartilage. For anyone who is living with morbid obesity, the excess body weight placed on joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, and pain caused by inflammation. Bariatric surgery can reduce much of this weight over a long period of time and can be very effective in treating osteoarthritis.
41% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of osteoarthritis.
Q. What is stress urinary incontinence and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Among women, morbid obesity is a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence, or uncontrollable urine loss. A large, heavy abdomen and relaxation of the pelvic muscles due to morbid obesity may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to weaken, leading to leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Bariatric surgery has been found to improve stress urinary incontinence. Less weight is placed on the bladder, and other physical changes take place to improve this condition.
44% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of stress urinary incontinence.
Q. What is reproductive health and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?
A. Reproductive health can be a concern for women struggling with morbid obesity. Issues such as infertility (the inability or reduced ability to produce children) and menstrual irregularities may occur due to morbid obesity. Fertility issues include possible miscarriage, reduced success with fertility treatments, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, women living with morbid obesity are more likely to have children with certain birth defects. A recent study of women following gastric bypass surgery showed improvement of multiple clinical problems related to infertility and PCOS.
100% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of menstrual dysfunction due to PCOS.
79% of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of excess hair due to PCOS.
Patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced restored ovulation and fertility.
Q. How can I deal with my fear of surgery?
A. The fear of surgery is not irrational or abnormal; in fact, it’s very common. Bariatric surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and, depending on the procedure, may shorten the digestive tract—all while the patient is under general anesthesia. If you have concerns, consider the following:
Share your concerns and fears with your surgeon.
Attend a support group and speak with patients who likely share the same fears.
Understand the complication rates and mortality rates of surgery.
Listen to bariatric surgery patients share their own fears and concerns.
And remember, you’ll have a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your best possible care.
Q. How does bariatric surgery change my body?
A. For people who have spent years living with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can transform their lives. However, it’s important to be prepared for all aspects of the treatment. Surgery changes your body by creating a smaller stomach pouch. Learn more about the different types of bariatric procedures.
Q. What is the cost of bariatric surgery?
A. For many people, bariatric surgery is affordable because it is covered by their health insurance plan. People who do not have insurance coverage for bariatric surgery must pay for it on their own. This is called self-pay or cash-pay. Even without insurance, many people feel that the surgery is worth the investment in their health and seek out alternative financing options.
Generally, the out-of-pocket costs for bariatric surgery are:
Q. How will I pay for bariatric surgery?
A. There are several ways to pay for surgery, including:
CareCredit for Surgery
We offer CareCredit, a card designed specifically for your healthcare needs. CareCredit can help you move forward with getting the procedure you’ve always wanted. With low minimum monthly payment options, no up-front costs and no prepayment penalties, you can get your procedure sooner.
Apply now or to learn more about CareCredit, please contact us
Q. How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
A. It varies from person to person. Generally, the hospital stay (including the day of surgery) can be same day outpatient for gastric banding and gastric ballon procedures, two days for laparoscopic gastric bypass, and one night for vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
Q. After the surgery, what support will I receive in adjusting to new daily habits?
A. A typical comprehensive bariatric program will consist of a combination of the following healthcare professionals: a program coordinator, psychologist, dietician, exercise physiologist, and other healthcare professionals. Each expert is dedicated to providing support for bariatric patients both before and after surgery. Check with your program to find out about support groups that can be helpful in adjusting to new daily habits.
Q. Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
A. Most doctors recommend that women wait at least one year after the surgery before a pregnancy. Approximately one year postoperatively, your body should be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint), and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. Consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy.
Q. What about postoperative pain and discomfort?
A. Many people think bariatric surgery will be followed by a long and painful recovery period. However, most patients report experiencing only discomfort and soreness rather than pain. Recovery does, however, vary from patient to patient. Click here for more information about recovering from bariatric surgery.
Q. How long is recovery?
A. As with any major surgery, there will be a recovery period. Remember that this is a necessary step, and the better care you take during recovery, the more quickly you’ll return to normal activity.
Recovery time varies from patient to patient.
One study found laparoscopic gastric bypass patients spent an average of two days in the hospital and were able to return to work after 21 days.
Q. What is the long-term success of bariatric surgery?
A. For people suffering from morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool. For the surgery to be effective long term, it must be used properly. Through lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy food plan, many patients are able to make a long-term change for better health.
Q. What will my life be like after the surgery?
A. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing journey toward transforming your health through lifestyle changes. After surgery, you will feel satisfied and fuller with less food. Positive changes in your body, your weight, and your health will occur, if you maintain the diet and exercise routines recommended by your bariatric program.
Q. How often will I be able to eat?
A. After the initial recovery period, most patients are instructed to eat 1/4 cup, or 2 ounces, of food per meal. As time goes on, you can eat more (as instructed by your medical team). Most people can eat approximately 1 cup of food per meal (with 4 ounces of protein) a year or more post-surgery.
Q. When can I go back to my normal activity level?
A. Your ability to resume presurgery levels of activity depends on your physical condition, the nature of the activity, and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Many patients return to normal levels of activity within three to six weeks of surgery.
Q. How much exercise is needed after bariatric surgery?
A. Exercise is an important part of success after surgery. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition, but the long-term goal is to get 30 minutes of exercise three or more days each week.
Q. Is there any difficulty in taking medications?
A. Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. At first, your doctor may suggest that medications be taken in crushed or liquid form. As a general rule, ask your surgeon before taking any medication.
Q. What is dumping syndrome?
A. Eating simple sugars (such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup) or high-fat foods can cause dumping syndrome in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. This occurs when these products, which have a small particle size, are “dumped” from the stomach into the intestine at a rapid rate. Water is pulled into the intestine from the bloodstream to dilute the sugar load. This flush of water causes symptoms that can include diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hot flashes or sweating and clammy skin, and dizziness.
Q. What is the long-term follow-up schedule?
A. Band patients need to work with their surgeons to have their band adjusted several times during the first 12 to 18 months after surgery. Bypass patients typically see their surgeons for three to five follow-up appointments the first year, then once per year thereafter. Over time, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass patients will need regular checks for vitamin B12, folate, and iron levels.
Q. How can I find a support group?
A. Support groups give patients an excellent opportunity to talk about personal issues. Most patients learn, for example, that bariatric surgery will not resolve personal relationship issues. Most bariatric surgeons who frequently perform bariatric surgery will tell you that ongoing support after surgery helps to achieve the greatest level of success for their patients. Patients help keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together, and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience.
Q. What are the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery?
A. Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed:
Q. What are the complications and risks associated with bariatric surgery?
A. As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:
Q. What are the possible side effects of bariatric surgery?
A. Side effects include:
“I have been a patient of Dr. Abkin for over 3 years, since 2020. I’ve lost 85 pounds and will be forever grateful for this life changing experience. Every staff member genuinely cares in the ease and success of your journey. They leave no stone unturned. Dr. Abkin is a master at his craft and truly makes you feel comfortable with process. I’ve never felt more confident in my own skin! I will continue to refer anyone struggling with weight loss and health issues to his office. It’s a second chance at a new life!”
“Dr. Abkin’s expertise in performing my gastric sleeve surgery in 2022 was truly remarkable. From our first consultation to post-op follow-ups, he demonstrated genuine care and professionalism. The procedure went flawlessly, and I felt well-informed and confident throughout. Thanks to Dr. Abkin’s skill and guidance, I’ve achieved significant weight loss and improved health. Grateful for his exceptional care on this transformative journey.”
“After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, I am amazed by the positive impact it has had on my life. The procedure was smooth, and the medical team was extremely supportive throughout the process. I’ve experienced significant weight loss and newfound energy. My confidence has soared, and I’m enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Grateful for this life-changing surgery.”
“Today, at the age of 45, I can confidently say that I am in the best shape of my life. I feel great, and my depression is a thing of the past. I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you. Dr. Abkin and Dr. Jawed, you have saved my life! You have given my wife her husband back, and my children have their father again!”
“Enormously thankful to Dr. Abkin for changing my life! Lost over 150 lbs after having sleeve surgery in 2019. His expertise and support made my transformation possible. Forever grateful!”
“Dr. Abkin was so friendly and explained each procedure thoroughly. I never felt forced or not heard, which really made me feel very comfortable with going forward with the surgery. Well a year later and I’m reflux free and still losing weight and extremely happy with all my services from him and his staff! I have referred him several times to my friends and co workers and will keep referring him!”
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