Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most commonly asked questions, if you have a question we haven't answered, please reach out at support@virtualbariatrics.com
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, weight loss surgery might be the right answer for you at this time:
Do you have a BMI of 35 or more plus an obesity-related health problem (diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, etc.)?
Do you have a BMI of 40 or more?
Does your weight cause physical problems that interfere with family or work-related activities?
What can I do to help the process?
Gather all the information that your insurance company may require. Letters from your primary care physician and consultants attesting to the "medical necessity" of treatment are very valuable.
Will I have a lot of nausea and vomiting?
Patients can experience some nausea and vomiting directly after surgery but every attempt is made to control nausea and vomiting through medication and diet instruction.
How long is a typical recovery process?
You will have a lifting restriction of 15 pounds for six weeks.
In many cases, you are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks.
Will I lose my hair after surgery?
Many patients experience some hair loss or thinning after surgery. This usually occurs between the fourth and fifth month after surgery.
Most patients experience natural hair
re-growth after the initial period of weight loss.
A diet plan which provides a consistent intake of protein at mealtime is the most important method of reducing hair loss.
Do I need to change any of my medications?
Your doctor will determine whether
medication for blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions can be stopped when the conditions for which they are taken improve or resolve after weight loss surgery.
For medications that need to be continued, the vast majority can be swallowed, absorbed, and work the same as before weight loss surgery. Usually no change in dosage is required.
How soon can I drive after surgery?
For your own safety you should not drive until you have stopped taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and alertly to stop your car, especially in an emergency.
Do not drive until you are released by your physician.
What are adhesions and do they form?
Adhesions are scar tissues formed inside the abdomen after surgery or injury. Adhesions can form with any major surgery in the abdomen.
In general, this is not a significant problem after laparoscopic weight loss surgery.
What medication can I take after surgery for a headache or common cold?
Medication you will need to avoid after surgery include aspirin, NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen), and steroids.
Tylenol products can be used for a headache or common cold.
Will I have to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, certain vitamins and minerals are essential for your body to stay healthy. You can get nutrients from the foods that you eat, but there are some challenges after weight loss surgery.
For the first several months after surgery vitamins need to be chewable.
How much does surgery cost?
Most insurance carriers cover bariatric surgery. However, if you do not have insurance cash options are available.
What can I do to prepare for weight loss surgery?
Here are some suggestions that you can begin to work on right away:
If you drink carbonated beverages, now is the time to stop. Why? When a cold
compressed gas (carbonation) hits your stomach it expands. That can be very
problematic, especially after surgery. Start a program of physical activity such as walking or swimming for 20 minutes, four times a week.
Be sure to receive a physician's approval before starting any program involving physical exertion.
Reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates you consume.
Refined carbohydrates include foods such as white rice, pasta and cookies.
How soon will I be able to walk after surgery?
Almost immediately after surgery we will require you to get up and move about.
When you leave the hospital, you will be able to care for all your personal needs, but will need help with childcare, shopping, lifting, and transportation.
Will I have a lot of pain after surgery?
Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery.
Can I get pregnant after surgery?
It is strongly recommended that women wait at least 12-18 months after the surgery before becoming pregnant. At 12-18 months after surgery,your body will be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint) and you should be
able to carry a normally nourished fetus.
When you begin contemplating pregnancy, you should consult your family physician or gynecologist to evaluate your health and discuss
special considerations prior to becoming pregnant.
Is there any difficulty taking medications after surgery?
Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch.
Initially your doctor may suggest that medications be crushed or taken in liquid form.
Will I lose too much weight and waste away?
Several things happen to allow your
weight to stabilize:
Your ongoing metabolic needs decrease as the body sheds excess pounds. There will be a natural, progressive increase in calorie and nutrient intake over the months following weight loss surgery. The stomach pouch and attached small
intestine will learn to work together better and there will be some expansion in pouch size over a period of months.
The bottom line is that, in the absence of a surgical complication, you are very unlikely to lose weight to the point of malnutrition. Eventually, your caloric intake will equal the amount of calories your body needs to function and your weight loss will stop.
Will I have to stop smoking?
Patients are strongly encouraged to stop smoking at least six months before surgery. Smoking is always discouraged at any time, but is especially important around the time of your surgery.
Cigarettes interfere with your lung's ability to exchange oxygen, and nicotine can impair circulation, which can impede healing after surgery and increase the chance of infection.
Is a blood transfusion required?
Not very often. If necessary, it is usually given in the first couple days after surgery. You must understand a blood transfusion is a possibility with any surgical procedure.
If you have any objections to the use of blood you should discuss it with your surgeon before the surgery is scheduled.
When can I resume sexual activity?
Generally, sexual activity can be resumed when you feel comfortable doing so. It is strongly recommended that women wait at least 12-18 months after the surgery before
becoming pregnant.
What if I am constipated after surgery?
It is not uncommon for patients to have their first bowel movement for the first 5-6 days after surgery so do not be alarmed.
In addition your bowel patterns may be different after surgery.
If you have an issue with constipation you can use a mild stool softener such a
Colace as needed.