Q. What is your BMI limit for bariatric surgery? Is there any age limit?
Some centers limit inclusion criteria for bariatric procedures with weight below 300 pounds or for age below 60. Our team of specialists have an extensive experience with morbidly super-super obese. We routinely operate on patients above 500 lb. Largest patient operated in our Bariatric Center weighted 860 lb.
Allegheny General Hospital has resources to provide state-of-the-art intensive care to those patients who need it after procedure. We do not turn down any BMI, at any age above 18, if there is reasonable risk/benefit ratio.
Q. Am I a candidate for bariatric procedure? If yes, which one is the best for me.
Any person with BMI over 35 is potentially candidate for bariatric procedure. Type of the procedure you will benefit the most should be discussed with your surgeon.
Q. How long is a recovery after laparoscopic R en Y gastric bypass / laparoscopic adjustable gastric band?
Laparoscopic RY gastric bypass patient stays in the hospital in average 2 to 4 days and is released to work in 2 – 6 weeks after surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding will keep you in the hospital for one day after surgery; work release is issued 5 – 14 days after surgery.
Q. What is a dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome is when the lower end of the small intestine, the jejunum, fills too quickly with undigested food from the stomach. "Early" dumping begins during or right after a meal. Symptoms of early dumping include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness and fatigue. "Late" dumping happens 1 to 3 hours after eating due to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of late dumping include weakness, sweating, and dizziness. Some people have both types. Prevention is to eat smaller portions, avoid drinking with meals and do not drink sugar enriched liquids.
Q. How many small incisions will I have after laparoscopic surgery?
5 to 7 in a circle on the middle and both sides of the abdomen.
Q. How much pain is involved after the operation?
The pain involved is no different than other abdominal surgery. After laparoscopically performed procedure pain is considerably low. Some patients take 0 pain medications when released to home and are really suprised. You might feel tired, though. Thats major complaint and degree of fatique correlates with body size. After loosing some weight and improving diet your stamina will glow again, and usually better than ever!
Q. What foods may I have trouble eating?
It varies. At the beginning potato salad, red meats, pork, chicken breast and steak and other stringy foods like celery may give you hard time. You may find out, that your taste has changed. Eventually, majority of our patients can eat anything, providing it is healthy and small in portion.
Will I be able to obtain adequate nutrition?
Yes, provided you take a multivitamin twice a day, vitamin B12 supplements,sometimes also calcium and iron supplements. Your diet should be rich in proteins, containing low-sugar low-fat food.
After I've lost my desired amount of weight, is it possible to regain?
Yes. If you decrease your energy spending (you became less active) and if you drink sugar enriched liquides, alcohol, eat too much sugar in your diet like ice-cream and chocolate.
Will I be able to have children?
Yes. You should wait at least two years after the surgery to get pregnant.