Bariatric Surgery

Ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach that induces appetite. Studies looking to see if ghrelin is affected by gastric bypass are very inconsistent. Based on currently available information, no one can conclude that ghrelin is involved in the gastric bypass effect on eating. The exact mechanisms by which gastric bypass works remain unknown. […] Read More

Weight loss surgery is a serious step. Patients with psychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolar disease, and/or schizophrenia should be under the care of a psychiatrist before they consider surgery. These conditions can become exaggerated by the body changes that are associated with weight loss. There are some medical conditions that make the surgery too […] Read More

While you are healing you will be seen on a regular basis, usually once in two weeks, and again six weeks after surgery. You return for follow-up visits after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to make sure you are adjusting well, and then once a year after that. It is important for us to […] Read More

This term refers to the emptying of concentrated food directly into the small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery empties food from the small stomach pouch directly into the small intestine without first being diluted with fluids in the rest of the stomach. Therefore, whatever you eat empties directly into the small intestine. Sweets and fatty foods […] Read More

Some people do believe that it’s a “quick fix,” and that’s why patient education is so important. It’s really not – it’s very hard work, even after you’ve had the surgery. Education, close follow-up, and attending support groups are all equally important. By the time patients are ready for the surgery, they really understand this. […] Read More

 This depends on the type of surgery you are having. If you are having a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, surgery will typically take 2 ½-3 hours. If you are having a sleeve gastrectomy, you can expect surgery to take 1 ½-2 hours. Each case is individual, and these times are only rough estimates. Read More

If you have the gastric sleeve procedure, you will have full liquids, such as creamed soup and cream of wheat, for three weeks. If you have gastric bypass, you will need to eat a blended, or puréed, diet for several weeks. These foods do not have to be bland. You will work closely with our […] Read More

Although uncommon, some patients may need to receive blood following surgery. A lab technician will come into your room each morning to collect blood, so we can monitor your condition closely. If you do need blood, our nurses will provide you with information on blood transfusions. Read More

The anesthesiologist will meet with you before surgery to talk about your anesthesia. All patients having bariatric surgery will have general anesthesia. This means that you will be completely asleep during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will insert a tube through your mouth to help you breathe. Your condition will be monitored closely by the anesthesiologist […] Read More

No. Many of our patients are in poor health because of diseases caused by their obesity. These diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and kidney difficulties. Read More