Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions
In this area of our site, you will find the answers to the frequently asked questions, as well as answers to How do I and Did you know questions. If you have a question that you would like included in this list then please contact our office.
Categories summary
Here is a list of the top categories and their sub-categories. Select a category to see the Q&As within.
| Category | Q&A | Last Q&A published |
 Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. It is intended for people who are 100 pounds or more overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) and who have not had success with other weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery. |
18 | What can I do to prepare for surgery? |
| 2 | What is a co-morbid condition? | |
| 6 | What is the long-term follow-up schedule? | |
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Hernia Questions
A hernia is an internal protrusion of body contents outside of its normal location. This protrusion can cause a small swelling to suddenly appear and disappear in various portions of the body. |
8 | How do I know if my hernia is incarcerated? |
| 5 | When is a patient with a type I hiatal hernia considered a medical treatment failure? | |
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Surgical Diet
Diet suggestions and questions depend on your medical condition, plans for surgery and other related issues |
2 | Does eating seeds affect my condition of diverticulosis? |
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Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery
There are many scientifically proven physiologic benefits to laparoscopic surgery when laparoscopy is compared to the traditional open operations. There are a few situations however where the surgical approach is not so obvious. |
3 | Why would I have an open procedure? |
Last published Q&A
Here is a list of the last Q&As that were published.
Bariatric surgery is like other major abdominal surgery. You can best prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery, and by closely following your doctor's instructions.
– Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
– Keep in mind that you’ll never be able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
– Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
– Write down your reasons for having bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
– Practice the post-op diet, including the transition from an all-liquid diet, to pureed food, to a normal diet of smaller portions with 4 ounces of protein.
– Start a journal. Record how you feel now, the challenges you face, and the things you hope to be able to do after bariatric surgery.
– Ask your family and friends for their support. Talk to them about why you want to have bariatric surgery. It helps to have people behind you, waiting to help.
– Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
– Keep in mind that you’ll never be able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
– Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
– Write down your reasons for having bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
– Practice the post-op diet, including the transition from an all-liquid diet, to pureed food, to a normal diet of smaller portions with 4 ounces of protein.
– Start a journal. Record how you feel now, the challenges you face, and the things you hope to be able to do after bariatric surgery.
– Ask your family and friends for their support. Talk to them about why you want to have bariatric surgery. It helps to have people behind you, waiting to help.
Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed: Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea and 61.2% reduction of excess weight.
Band patients need to work with their surgeons to have their band adjusted several times during the first 12 to 18 months after surgery. Bypass patients typically see their surgeons for at least three to five follow-up appointments the first year, then once per year thereafter. Over time, gastric bypass patients will need regular checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and vitamin B12, folate, and iron levels.
Eating simple sugars (such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup) or high-fat foods can cause dumping syndrome in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. This occurs when these products, which have a small particle size, are “dumped” from the stomach into the intestine at a rapid rate. Water is pulled into the intestine from the bloodstream to dilute the sugar load. This flush of water causes symptoms that can include diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hot flashes or sweating and clammy skin, and dizziness.
Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. At first, your doctor may suggest that medications be taken in crushed or liquid form. As a general rule, ask your surgeon before taking any medication.
