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It is typical to have many questions concerning a procedure as life changing as a weight loss surgery. Following is a list of our most frequently asked questions which will link to the answers. More than likely many of your questions are on this list—if not please feel free to call our office. The contact information is in the Contact Us page of the website.
How often can the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass be done laparoscopically?
Why should I have a gastric bypass done laparoscopically?
Does Dr. Valentine do the Lap Band?
How many gastric bypasses has Dr. Valentine done?
Is the gastric bypass procedure reversible?
How long will I be off of solid foods after surgery?
I have heard that I will need to eat a lot of protein, what are good
sources
of protein and how will I know if I am getting enough protein?
What vitamins and minerals will I need to take after surgery?
How much food will I be able to eat once I get used to solid foods?
How much fluid can I drink following surgery?
Does my insurance cover this procedure?
How long does it take to get an approval?
How often can the Roux-en-Y gastric
bypass be done laparoscopically?
About 98% of the time this surgery
can be done laparoscopically. If the procedure can not be done laparoscopically,
Dr. Valentine will perform the surgery through an open incision running
along the midline of the patientsí abdomen. Dr. Valentine
may elect to do the surgery through an open incision from the get go,
based on that patientís surgical history and the possibility of
there being a lot of scar tissue in the abdomen. This occurs if
the patient has had several abdominal procedures in the past including
hernia repairs, open cholecystectomies etc. This decision is made
on a patient by patient basis. On the rare occasion, Dr. Valentine
may have to convert a patientís procedure from a laparoscopic
approach to an open procedure. In any case, the surgery will be
completed.
Why should I have a gastric bypass
done laparoscopically?
With any laparoscopic procedure,
a patient experiences less pain, has a quicker recovery, shorter hospital
stay, quicker return to work, less scaring and less post-operative complications. Because
our patient is our primary concern, we recommend laparascopic bypass
surgeries when possible for all patients instead of open bypasses.
How many gastric bypasses has Dr.
Valentine done?
As of 4/22/08, Dr. Valentine has successfully
completed 413 gastric bypasses, averaging 2 gastric bypasses
a week.
Is the gastric bypass procedure reversible?
Technically it is, but due to the
high complication rate and poor outcomes, it should be considered as
irreversible.
How long
will I be off of solid foods after surgery?
Approximately two weeks for gastric bypass. The first week
following surgery patients consume clear, surgar-free, caffeine-free
and carbonation-free liquids. The second week after surgery patients
advance to full liquids which includes sugar-free dairy products like
pudding, yogurt, cream soups and milk. In addition, protein shakes
are usually added at this time. Pureed meats may also be eaten. The
third week patients introduce soft solids and the fourth week they introduce
regular food. Breads and cereal-type foods (high carbohydrates)
are not introduced until 75% of the weight loss goal is achieved. For lap band patients, you will be off solid foods for approximately 6 weeks. You will be on liquids for 2 weeks, mushy foods for 2 weeks and then start regular foods for 2 weeks before your first fill then dietary changes will follow a post fill format.
I have heard that I will need to eat
a lot of protein. what are good sources of protein and how will I know
if I am getting enough protein?
High quality protein plays a
big role in improving wound healing, hair and lean muscle
retention and skin
shrinkage. The best sources of protein include low-fat animal products
like cottage cheese, yogurt, low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks, turkey,
chicken, lean red meat, fish, beans and tofu. Patients gradually increase
their daily protein intake to a minimum of 60 grams by 6-8 weeks following
surgery.
What vitamins and minerals will I
need to take after surgery?
Patients are advised to supplement
their diets with daily multivitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron and B-12
for the rest of their lives. For your convenience, we provide protein
and vitamin supplements in our office. We carry specially
formulated vitamins for the gastric bypass patient, because absorption of nutrients
changes after your surgery and we provide lap band patients with guidance multivitamins that will most benifit them. You are welcome to find other sources
for you supplements, however, Dr. Valentine recommends that his dietician
Karen, look at the nutritional values of supplements purchased outside
the office to ensure that they have all the required nutrients.
How much food will I be able to eat once I get used
to solid foods?
Around 4-6 weeks following surgery, bypass patients may
be able to eat 1-2 ounces of protein-rich food and a few tablespoons
of a vegetable or fruit in one meal that averages about 500 calories per day. Lap band patients will typically be eating approximately 1500 calories per day about a child sized meal. Three meals per day are recommended
with no snacking. Every patient progresses at his/her own pace. We
offer guidelines and try to personalize each patientís nutrition
care plan according to their specific lifestyle and preferences. Usually
by 1 year post-op a bypass patient can eat a child-sized meal.
How
much fluid can I drink following surgery?
We recommend sipping fluid
all throughout the day the first couple of weeks
following surgery. Patients
should consume between 48-64 ounces of fluid per day. Fluids
cannot be consumed with meals. Patients are advised to stop
drinking 30 minutes before a meal and resume drinking 30 minutes
after a meal.
Does my insurance cover this procedure?
Many insurance policies do cover
this type of surgery, however each policy is different. The
best way to know for sure is to just call your insurance company
and ask.
How
long does it take to get an approval?
That can vary from insurance
company to insurance company. We usually tell patients from start
to finish you are looking at about 3 months. It is a process
that does take time; however we are here to help you get through
the process as quickly as possible.