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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Surgery
Q: How long will it take me to recover from surgery?
A: This will vary from patient to patient. The recovery from surgery itself (wound healing etc…) will be approximately 2-3 weeks. Many patients will feel weak and tired for 6 weeks after the surgery due to the decrease in calorie intake. Most people can return to work in 3-4 weeks.
Q: Can the stoma (pouch outlet) narrow down and cause vomiting?
A: There is a small chance of a stricture between your gastric pouch and your intestine. If you have problems keeping solid food down or notice that you were doing fine for awhile and then have problems, call your surgeon’s office. You may need to have a procedure to stretch the stoma.
Q: What should I do if I can’t keep anything down, including water?
A: You need to call the office and let the doctor or nurse know/or be evaluated in the emergency room. If vomiting is associated with severe abdominal pain, call the Oregon Bariatric Center or go to the nearest emergency room.
Q: Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
A: We discourage alcohol intake in the first 12 months at least. Alcohol can irritate the pouch. Patients then need to be very careful of the sugar content and the possibility of dumping.
Q: Can I smoke after surgery?
A: No. Smoking results in a decreased amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and can lead to stomach ulcers.
Q: Why is activity so important after surgery?
A: We ask that patients get out of bed and begin moving around soon after surgery to reduce the risk of post-op complications (blood clots and pneumonia being the major risk factor of non-activity).
Q: What will be my rate of weight loss after surgery?
A: This varies from patient to patient. Approximately 50% to 75% of excess body weight over the course of 1 to 1 ½ years.
Q: Will bariatric surgery affect a woman’s chances of pregnancy?
A: Usually this is not a problem. We recommend that they wait to have children for at least 1 year after surgery (2 is better) in order to maximize weight loss. Patients must remember to take the recommended vitamin supplements when considering pregnancy and work closely with her OB and dietician.
Q: I’ve heard some people experience hair loss after surgery. Will this happen to me?
A: Some patients suffer from hair loss. This too is related to the weight loss. Not everyone experiences hair loss. If you notice hair loss, we will recommend that you increase your protein intake. Make sure you are taking in enough grams of protein as set by the dietician (usually 50-70 grams daily). This may help reduce the hair loss.
Q: Will I experience nausea after surgery?
A: Some patients will have nausea after surgery. Again, this is individual. Patients are sent home with a prescription for nausea if they should need it at home.
Q: If I have constipation after surgery, what should I do?
A: Drink plenty of fluids. Patients can also take a stool softener. MOM 20-30 ml daily until the problem is relieved works well.
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