"I had been overweight for 14 years and I was ready to be physically active again. I had tried EVERYTHING to lose weight including Phen fen and Redux. A few things worked, but only temporarily. The weight always came back."
9. How many days am I in the hospital?
Most gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® surgery patients
are in the hospital from three to four days. It is all contingent upon your
individual medical condition.
10. When can I return to work?
Usually gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® surgery patients
return to work within two weeks. This should be discussed with your surgeon
though. In addition, there is a lifting restriction of 15 lbs. or more for 4
to 6 weeks.
11. How many of the Roux-en-Y procedures has Pacific Bariatric performed?
Conservatively speaking, over 10,000 gastric bypass procedures have been done
by Pacific Bariatric. Over 2,000 of these cases have been done laparoscopically.
12. Is it safe to get pregnant after this surgery?
After the gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® surgery procedures
we request that you wait at least one year following your surgery before attempting
pregnancy. Our main concern is for the nutritional well being of the fetus.
You must take extra precautions throughout the first year.
13. What causes hair loss with this program, and what could help minimize hair loss?
As one of the more common side effects, about 80 percent of our patients will
experience temporary hair loss. The trauma and anesthesia from any surgery,
a lack of protein, toxins in the body from the rapid weight loss, and stress
are all contributing factors in causing temporary hair loss. Coloring or perming
the hair in addition can cause more damage to your already fragile hair condition.
The temporary hair loss usually starts about 3 to 4 months after surgery and
continues on for 3 to 6 months. To help keep hair loss at a minimum, there are
several things you can do. For this and some other side effects, double up on
your vitamins (one in the morning and one at night), make sure you are getting
enough protein, and drink lots of water. Water helps dilute the toxins from
the rapid weight loss.
14. How can I prepare myself for surgery?
The best way to prepare is to read your protocol, review your paperwork, begin
your protein supplement, take your vitamins, and start your exercise program.
We also encourage you to attend our support groups as you can learn from our
post-op patients. Be sure to share your preparatory work with your surgeon as
well.
What is your success rate of Roux-en-Y?
Across the nation, the success rate for a Roux-en-Y is approximately 85 percent.
Our program is slightly higher than that and is dependent upon the patient.
Remember, this is just a “tool”, not a guarantee of success.
