BARIATRIC SURGERY - FAQ’S

Am I a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
Candidates for bariatric surgery must be morbidly obese.  Morbid obesity is defined as 100 pounds overweight or a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher.  However, surgery may be appropriate for patients with a BMI of 35 or greater and who have life-threatening obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.  If you meet these criteria and have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight by other, non-surgical methods, then you should consider weight loss surgery.

Is bariatric surgery a cosmetic surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery or liposuction; Bariatric surgery is major surgery involving the digestive system. Weight loss surgery should be viewed first and foremost as a method of alleviating chronic disease. When diet and exercise have failed, and the benefits of surgery outweigh the risk of disease related to obesity, bariatric surgery is a good option.

Where and what will my hospital stay be like?
Your operation will be performed at Phoenixville Hospital Lap band patients are discharged home the following morning after surgery. The hospital stay for Gastric Bypass surgery is usually three days unless a complication from the surgery develops.

How long will I be off of work after surgery?
Your time off of work will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you have. After Lap-Band® surgery, you can return to work in about one-week.  The gastric bypass procedure usually averages a two- to four-week recuperation.

Is my bariatric operation covered by insurance?
Lap Band and Gastric Bypass surgery are covered by most insurance companies. In some instances, we deal directly with insurance companies to help them understand why the surgery is necessary and what it involves. Since weight loss surgery can improve and often eliminate serious health problems, it is medically essential.
Dr. Kaczmarski accepts most health insurance plans. 

After surgery, do I need to follow up with the doctor?
Yes, you should see your surgeon on a regular basis. There will be a post-op follow-up visit after one week, and again six weeks after your operation. Follow-up visits are scheduled frequently during the first year to monitor your weight loss, check blood tests and with Lap band patients to perform adjustments (fills).  After your weight is stable, you'll have regular yearly follow-up visits.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
All major abdominal surgeries have many of the same risks and complications. These risks are mostly due to the act of having the operation, not the particular operation itself. Risk level increases when anesthesia and surgery are performed on a person who is already compromised by obesity and any other existing co-morbidities. Life-threatening complications or death are rare, but you must be aware that these complications exist.

Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
It is strongly recommended that women wait at least one year, preferably two, after the surgery before a pregnancy. By two years post-operatively, your body will be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint) and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. 

 Will I have to take vitamins?
Yes, but the number depends on your weight loss procedure.  The gastric bypass procedure requires a lifetime of daily vitamin supplementation--usually two multivitamins with iron and B12, as well as 3-4 calcium supplements.  The Lap-Band® requires a daily multivitamin.

Can I reverse my surgery?
Yes, but bariatric surgery is meant to be a lifelong commitment. Lap band surgery is completely and easily reversible by removing the band itself.   Gastric Bypass surgery can be reversed, but such operations are complex.  The only patients that would be considered for reversal are those who experience serious, life-threatening problems.  It is important to note that any person who has their bariatric surgery reversed will probably regain any weight loss seen.

Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery?
For the first year, it is suggested that you completely refrain from drinking alcohol. After that, you may have small amounts of alcohol with your doctor's approval. In the long run patients who undergo Lap band surgery or gastric bypass surgery should limit alcoholic drinks because they tend to be high in calories with no nutritional value and can hamper weight loss.