Common Questions Regarding Gastric Bypass Surgery
Q: What are the advantages of a laparoscopic Gastric Bypass?
Ans: The laparoscopic gastric bypass is performed through four tiny incisions. This results in much less pain and discomfort following surgery. In addition, it allows the patient to be up and about faster and more comfortably, thus decreasing the chances of developing pneumonia or blood clots. The absence of a large incision decreases your chances of developing a wound infection or incisional hernia that might require further surgery. The Gastric Bypass results in a higher average weight loss, approximately 75% excess body weight loss, in approximately two years. The gastric bypass is also maintenance free. There are no artificial materials to rely upon.
Q: What kind of preparation is there before surgery?
Ans: You should avoid the “last supper” syndrome in the period prior to your surgery. This can lead to significant weight gain and greater difficulty in performing your surgery. We ask that patients stop smoking at least three weeks prior to your scheduled date. You are expected to start a clear liquid diet on the day before surgery and do the bowel preparation as prescribed by your surgeon. You may not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss which medications will be taken the day prior to surgery.
Q: How long is the procedure and what is the postoperative care?
Ans: The procedure takes an average of two to three hours to perform but may vary depending on your BMI. The whole process from the time you come in to the operating room to the time you arrive in recovery is much longer to account for anesthesia and awakening afterwards. Therefore, your loved ones should expect to talk to the surgeon approximately four hours after you leave them. After the recovery room you will either go to the surgical floor or to the ICU. This will be determined by the surgeon and anesthesiologist at the time of your surgery. The day of surgery you will continue with nothing by mouth but will be up walking with assistance on average five times. On the second day post-op, you will go to the radiology department for a special X-ray, (UGI), to test your new anatomy. If your test is negative, you will begin your Stage I diet. The following day you will be advanced to the Stage II diet and you will typically be discharged home.
Q: How about drains and wound care?
Ans: Typically, there are no drains in the nose or mouth. You will have a small drain on your left flank that will be removed before you go home. There are no sutures or staples to be removed. The incisions will be covered with steristrips that should be left alone. You may shower 48 hours after the surgery and wash with warm, soapy water.
Click here for more |
