Bariatric surgery is a permanent change to the body and our Bariatric team
must make sure patients are mentally and physically capable of tolerating
the procedure. The professionals at the Weight Loss Center follow patients
pre- and post-operatively. Prior to the operation, patients will have
a tailored pre-op clearance plan.
Patients should expect to lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight
after the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. How quickly the weight is lost
varies for each patient. They may be able to stop taking medications and
reverse conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Surgery is only one part of a patient's weight-loss journey. The doctors
make sure the operation is a success from the operation standpoint, but
the patient plays a crucial role in having a successful outcome. They
have to adhere to a diet and exercise regimen.
Patients are given a bariatric manual that offers an in-depth look into
the operation itself, including pre- and post-operative care required,
dietary plans, medications, exercise, and foods to avoid.
Office Visits
The initial visit may be a class that will cover if you qualify for bariatric surgery:
Discuss options and formulate plan
Referred to our registered dietitian, GI department, and psychologist
Meet with our Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss sleeve
gastrectomy to include preoperative workup, procedure, possible complications,
expected results, and how to begin preparing for surgery.
Second Visit:
Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to address any medical
conditions you have and what diagnostic testing will need to be ordered
prior to surgery
Discuss lifestyle modifications to prepare for surgery
Referral appointments needed will be discussed
Third Visit:
We will review the results of any lab and diagnostic tests
Ensure you’re staying on track with preoperative workup
Discussed preoperative diet, preoperative medications, what to expect the
day of surgery and postoperative medications
Fourth Visit:
Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss postoperative
diet and supplementation following surgery
You will not be scheduled for surgery until we have received approval from
your insurance company
Last Visit:
Meet with surgeon for pre-operative visit
The surgeon will be able to review the procedure, answer questions, and
ensure you’re ready for surgery.
Benefits
Average of 66% excess weight loss at 3 years
Our program average is 55% in 6 months
Average waist circumference lost within 6 months post-procedure is 10 inches
for males and 8-9 inches for females
The average Hemoglobin A1c before surgery was 7.1. After 1 year post procedure,
the average decreased to 5.5
No significant changes in digestive process
Cannot be reversed although it can be converted to other procedure
Possible Complications
Gastric leak from staple line
Ulcers
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Esophageal Dysmotility
Fistula (abnormal connections)
Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lung)
Delayed gastric emptying
Splenic injury
Stricture (narrowing)
Late Choledocholithiasis (gallstones)
Nutritional deficiencies
Post-Operative Management
After surgery, you will discharge home the same day
Meds: Prevacid, Vitamin Patch, Gabapentin, Celebrex, Eliquis, Zofran and
other medications prescribed as needed
Clear liquids first 48 hours, full liquids next two weeks, and slow progression
to solid foods as directed
Return to work in 1-2 weeks
No heavy lifting (over 30lbs) for 4-6 weeks
No strenuous activity for 4 weeks
Vitamin and nutrient supplementation
Long-Term Follow Up
Follow-up appointments and laboratory studies are important to your long-term success
You will have appointments schedules for 10-14 days, 6 weeks, 3 months,
6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, 24 months, then yearly thereafter
