Frequently Asked Questions- Gastric Bypass
Can I ever eat regular food again?
When the time comes to resume eating “regular” food, you must learn to adapt to a new way of eating. Gastric bypass patients are restricted to approximately ½ cup to one cup of food before feeling uncomfortably full. Patients who learn to eat slowly, eat less, and avoid carbonated beverages and snacking have the best results.
Are the dietary guidelines permanent?
Yes. You must change your pre-operative eating habits to have a successful surgical outcome. You will be given all the necessary guidelines you need to follow during your pre- and post-op education classes.
What are some of these guidelines?
- Chew all solid food thoroughly. You will not be able to eat chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
- Don’t drink fluids while eating.
- Omit desserts and other items with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.
- Omit carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, and high-fat foods.
- Foods with high fiber content will be avoided for the first while.
- Avoid alcohol.
- No between meal snacking.
When can I go back to work?
Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity varies according to physical condition, the nature of the activity, and the type of weight loss surgery you had. Many patients return to full pre-surgery levels of activity within 6 weeks of their procedure.
When can I get pregnant?
It is strongly advised that women of childbearing age use the most effective forms of birth control during the first 16-24 months after gastric bypass surgery. The added demands pregnancy places on the body and the potential for fetal damage make this a most important requirement.
Does a gastric bypass operation guarantee successful weight loss?
When our patients make a commitment to their weight loss, surgery has a much greater success rate. New U provides many tools to help you achieve your weight loss goals. You will attend support groups, and dietary and exercise meetings. And we will be beside you throughout your journey to help encourage dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
What risks are involved in weight loss surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery presents risks. Some of the risks include: leakage at the staple line; infection; stomach perforation; stretching of the pouch; dehydration; excessive vomiting; nausea; outlet obstruction; poor absorption of iron and calcium leading to anemia and osteoporosis; vitamin B-12 deficiency; dumping syndrome; ulcers; and the possibility of increased gallstone formation that may cause the gallbladder to be removed. Please talk with your physician or the New U staff if you have questions about these potential risks.
What is the expected course of treatment?
You will have about 3 months of education before your surgery and monthly support group meetings after your surgery. Your pre-operative education includes exercise, dietary, behavior modification, psychological, and general hospital education. Your post-op education includes exercise, dietary, behavior modification, and support groups.
How long will I actually be “in” the hospital?
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of gastric bypass surgery you have. Most patients stay approximately 3-5 days after an open procedure and 2-4 days after a laparoscopic procedure.
Why do some people go to the ICU?
Depending on pre-existing medical conditions, some patients are placed in the intensive care unit to closely monitor heart and lung function.
Is it necessary to have long-term follow-up?
Although the short-term effects of weight loss surgery are well understood, there are still questions to be answered about the longer-term effects on nutrition and body systems. Over time, you will need periodic checks for anemia (low red blood cell count), vitamin B-12 levels, folate and iron levels. Follow-up care is recommended, and expected, for life.
How important are the support groups?
Support group attendance is VERY important for long-term success. Support groups provide weight loss surgery patients with an excellent opportunity to discuss various personal and professional issues. Most learn, for example, that weight loss surgery will not immediately resolve existing emotional issues or heal the years of damage that morbid obesity might have inflicted on emotional well being. Support groups assist with short-and long-term goals, and have helped produce the greatest level of success for gastric bypass surgery patients.
To see our support group classes, click here.
