Frequently Asked Questions
You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you need to lose 80 to 100+ pounds, and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 and suffer from obesity-related health problems.
The biggest benefits of bariatric surgery include weight loss and improved health. The risks of bariatric surgery vary by procedure.The following list is not all-inclusive, but offers some examples of the potential risks of bariatric surgery procedures:
- Acid reflux
- Anesthesia-related risks
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Dilation of esophagus
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Infection
- Obstruction of stomach
- Weight gain or failure to lose weight
Risks vary by procedure, and your bariatric surgeon will make sure you understand the risks and complications of your specific procedure.
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y): 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months after surgery.
- Vertical sleeve gastrectomy: 50 to 70 percent of excess body weight within 12 months.
Results can vary. Long-term weight stability depends on diet and exercise.
Surgical Options
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The stomach is divided, forming a small pouch which is connected to the intestine. The pouch is about the size of a golf ball, and results in the best weight loss, averaging 50-80% decrease in excess body weight and can help cure diabetes.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
This newest procedure is in between the bypass and band, in terms of effectiveness and safety. A section of the stomach is removed, which reduces stomach capacity without bypassing the intestines or causing gastrointestinal malabsorption. Weight loss is slower than gastric bypass; expect to lose 50-70% of excess body weight within twelve months after surgery.
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y) or Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, two to three days.
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y): No. (Only a small number of patients with significant long-term complications are considered for a surgical revision
- Vertical sleeve gastrectomy: No, this procedure cannot be reversed.
Obesity can make it difficult for some women to become pregnant, so bariatric surgery may actually help with fertility.
If you want to become pregnant, you should wait until your weight stabilizes — about 18 to 24 months following surgery — because rapid weight loss and nutrition deficiencies can be harmful to a developing fetus.
Your bariatric surgeon and WINH team will advance you through the diet phases post-surgery:
- Clear liquid diet
- Full Liquid diet
- Adaptable, soft diet
- Stabilization diet
Yes, absolutely. Bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet, nor is it the only portion of your weight loss journey. Anyone can regain weight they lost and inherit the problems associated with it. To be successful, you must adopt a lifelong commitment to maintaining a healthy weight through good nutrition and exercise.
For more information on any of our programs, please contact a WINH representative at (603) 527-2946.