Dr. Bilof and Dr. Yurcisin Answer Your Top Frequently Asked Questions
In the Frequently Asked Questions video below, Dr. Bilof and Dr. Yurcisin address the top questions asked about bariatric surgery to provide basic answers to the general patient population. Through their collective experience with patients, seminar attendees, questions from patients’ loved ones, and/or general inquiries via email, there are some common themes when it comes to inquiries about bariatric surgery.
You’ll also have the opportunity during your initial consultation with our surgeons and the surgical team to learn more about the individual weight loss surgery procedures, the pros, and cons of each as well as have a thorough discussion about your specific concerns and long-term goals.
This FAQ is not meant to replace meeting with one of our surgeons; it is designed to allow you to hear the answers to your most common questions directly from the experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the preparations before the surgery?
Every patient has different preparations, but on average it will be a 2 – 3 month process. To save time for everyone visit our contact page and get in touch so we can get you the information that is specific to your needs.
Will my insurance cover bariatric surgery?
This is the biggest question we get. In most cases, yes, as long as you meet the requirements to qualify for surgery, but many insurance companies have specific plans. Our team is top-notch at understanding your insurance and finding out what your out-of-pocket expenses may be. If a patient does not have insurance there are other ways we can help via self-pay or finance options. Whatever your situation GSBWC will help you find a way.
How does the gastric bypass work?
Gastric Bypass is a major abdominal surgery. In the average patient, the surgery takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most patients are in the hospital 2-3 days. The surgery involves the bariatric doctor reducing the size of the stomach from 32 ounces to about 2 ounces.
Detailed info at our Gastric Bypass procedure page.
How does the duodenal switch work?
The duodenal switch (DS) may be the most effective bariatric treatment for improving diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and sleep apnea. It also results in more weight loss than any other procedure. The Duodenal Switch has been around and performed for over twenty years and the easiest way to understand this procedure is to think of it as a combination of the gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve. The DS has shown a 98% cure rate for Type II diabetes. A brief overview of the procedure is listed herein. As with any bariatric surgery, the best procedure for you is to be discussed with your surgeon and based on many factors for the safest and most effective outcome for you. Detailed info can be found on our duodenal switch procedure page.
How much weight will I lose with weight loss surgery?
On average with the gastric sleeve, patients can lose 1/2 to 2/3 of excess weight, approximately 2/3 to 3/4 with the gastric bypass, and roughly 3/4 to 90% of excess weight with the duodenal switch. After five years, weight loss from the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures is very close within a range of approximately 10lbs.2
Can weight loss surgery cure my Type 2 diabetes?
Both doctors have been drawn to this surgery because of the results they have seen. Bariatric surgery helps manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar. As a result, Type 2 diabetes goes away into remission 85% of the time and requires no medication depending on the type of procedure.3
Can I lose too much weight?
While theoretically possible this is almost never the case. Proper follow up will ensure this does not happen.
Can these surgeries cure my high blood pressure?
Since there are some genetic components it is not just a patient’s weight, but it does go away in about 50% of patients and in the other 50% it improves dramatically by switching to one blood pressure medication instead of two and is more controlled.
Can these surgeries help cure my sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea typically goes away 90% of the time at about 6 months.
Can I get pregnant after this surgery?
Yes. In fact, fertility following bariatric surgery is improved.4 Pregnancy is typically delayed about two years or until weight loss has plateaued and weight is stable.
Will I lose my hair?
The short answer is no, but there is a time after surgery “4-8 months” patients might see more hair coming out when washing or brushing. As long as proper nutrition and follow-up are done patients should be fine.
Will I have excess skin?
There is no one answer that applies to all patients. Some will and some will not. The best thing a patient can do is exercise to contour the body. Even with excess skin, you are receiving numerous health benefits. The only true way to get rid of excess skin is plastic surgery. We deal with many expert plastic surgeons that specialize in body contouring procedures following massive weight loss.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
It is very safe! While any surgery has some inherent risks, bariatric surgery is one of the safest surgeries a patient can undergo.5 You can learn more about this in the video at the top of this page. We always discuss all the risks with patients.
Who is not a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Candidates for weight loss surgery must have a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related comorbidity or a BMI of 40 or higher regardless of comorbidities.
What is the downtime or recovery time after surgery?
Most patients will be in the hospital for 1 or 2 days. You may be out of work for 1-3 weeks, tops maybe a month. This is not because of pain, but mostly because they are learning how to adjust to their new stomach.
Contact Garden State Bariatrics To Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about weight loss surgery or have specific questions about a bariatric procedure not covered here please contact us today. Our bariatric surgeons are dedicated to helping patients in New Jersey and beyond live healthier lives and reach their weight loss goals.
The Doctors at Garden State Bariatrics have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated:
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