Questions and Answers

Some surgeons only perform weight loss surgery using one approach (i.e., open or laparoscopically). Surgeons who perform both types of procedures usually prefer laparoscopic surgery, except in the exceptional patients or those who require revisional surgery (second or third-time operations). Read More

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a surgeon gains access to the abdominal cavity via 4 to 6 small incisions in the abdominal wall. An instrument called a laparoscope is used to give the surgeon an exceptionally clear view of the inside of the abdominal cavity. This surgical approach is considered “minimally […] Read More

The LAP-BAND and gastric bypass procedures are both potentially reversible. Reversal requires an operation of the same magnitude and risk as of the original procedure. Reversal of other bariatric operations, such as the gastric sleeve, is rare. Read More

After losing most of the excess weight, most patients may have loose or sagging skin. For many patients, this might be just temporary. The degree of loose or sagging skin depends upon several things, including how much weight you lose, your age, your genetics, and whether you exercise or smoke. Generally, many patients can hide […] Read More

For reasons we still don’t fully understand, hair loss after bariatric surgery is common between 3 and 6 months following surgery. However, hair loss is almost always temporary. Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, biotin, and minerals will help to ensure hair re-growth and avoid long-term thinning. Read More

Most patients have some pain after surgery. However, the pain is usually just a little more than laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Most patients just need to take oral pain medications for a few days after surgery. The majority of our patients felt that pain was not a major issue during their recovery. Read More

After surgery, most patients return to work after two to four weeks. Some may be able to work from home as early as one week after surgery. Because of the significantly reduced calorie intake, many patients have low energy for 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, most patients gain their energy back once they start to […] Read More

All surgeries are performed at the new Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The average surgical time for gastric bypass is about 2 hours, and sleeve gastrectomy is about 1-2 hours. The laparoscopy totally changed bariatric surgery. Almost all our patients can walk a few hours after surgery. They start to have liquids the day after […] Read More

6 weeks before surgery, you should stop smoking, or quit it for good. This reduces the risk of post-operative complications.   3 months before surgery, you should stop taking steroids and immunosuppressants. Within 2 weeks, you should stop taking medications that affect blood clotting.  For 2-3 months before surgery, you need to increase physical activity and […] Read More

Bariatric efficiency statistics according to the New England Journal of Medicine:   Decrease in mortality by 92% from diabetes mellitus.   Decrease in mortality by 60% from cancer.   On average, after bariatric surgery, patients lose between 40% and 75% of their original body weight.    If the doctor’s recommendations are followed, the weight of patients 10 years after […] Read More