Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs by Category

• Morbid Obesity and Treatment Options
• Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery
• Comorbid Conditions
• Coping with Concerns
• Life After Surgery

Morbid Obesity and Treatment Options

What is morbid obesity?

Morbid obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight. The disease of morbid obesity interferes with basic physical functions, such as breathing or walking. Long-term effects of the disease include shorter life expectancy, serious health consequences in the form of weight-related health problems (comorbid conditions) such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and a lower quality of life with fewer economic and social opportunities.

What causes morbid obesity?

The causes of morbid obesity are multiple and complex. Despite conventional wisdom, it is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that, in many cases, significant, underlying causes of morbid obesity are genetic, environmental and social. Studies have demonstrated that, once the problem is established, efforts such as dieting and exercise programs have a limited ability to provide effective long-term relief.

What is a comorbid condition?

There are two definitions for a comorbid condition: the presence of one or more disorder or disease in addition to a primary disorder or disease; or, the presence of a disorder or disease that is caused by or otherwise related to another condition in the same patient. The primary disease of morbid obesity can lead to several comorbid conditions.

What is body mass index (BMI)? 

BMI is a measure used to index a person’s height and weight. BMI allows healthcare professionals and patients to better understand health issues associated with a specific weight classification (classifications such as obesity and morbid obesity).

What is 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 BMI 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 BMI of 35 or greater and one or more comorbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery.

How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery? 

Patients should have either:

• 100 pounds or more of excess weight and a BMI of 40 or greater (BMI Calculator) or 
• BMI of 35 or greater and one or more comorbid condition

Other common guidelines include:

• Understanding the risks of bariatric surgery
• Committing to dietary and other lifestyle changes as recommended by the surgeon
• Having a history of weight loss treatments having failed the patient
• Undergoing a complete examination including medical tests

Is bariatric surgery right for me? 

Talk with your surgeon about the different surgical treatments, as well as the benefits and risks.

Remember:

• Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery.
• Bariatric surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgical removal.
• The patient must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which are key to the success of bariatric surgery.
• Problems after surgery are rare, but corrective procedures may be required.

What are the complications and risks associated with bariatric surgery?

As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
• Infections
• Leaks from staple lines
• Marinal ulcers
• Pulmonary problems
• Spleen injury
• Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
• Death

What are the possible side effects of bariatric surgery?

Side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Dumping syndrome
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Gallstones
• Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, dizziness

What is the difference between laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery and an open procedure? 

Open surgery involves the surgeon creating a long incision to open the abdomen and operating with "traditional” medical instruments. Laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery is an approach that allows the surgeon to perform the same procedure using several small incisions, a fiberoptic camera, a video monitor and long-handled instruments.

Why would I have an open procedure? 

The decision to perform minimally invasive or open surgery is made by your surgeon before the operation. For some patients, the laparoscopic technique cannot be used due to dense scar tissue from prior abdominal surgery. Also, the inability to see organs and/or bleeding during the operation can cause your surgeon to switch from minimally invasive to open surgery during your operation.

What is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?

Roux-en-Y (pronounced ROO-en-why) gastric bypass surgery is the most popular bariatric surgery in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” of some of the small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food the patient can comfortably eat, and the bypass decreases the number of nutrients and calories absorbed.

What is a gastric banding procedure?

Gastric banding is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. The band is adjustable and can be periodically tightened or loosened depending on the patient’s needs.

What is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)?

BPD/DS is a combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by 70 percent. The pouch is still a bit larger than with other procedures that use restriction. By connecting the pouch to the lower part of the small intestine, absorption of calories and nutrients is greatly reduced.

How successful is bariatric surgery?

Results of Five-Year Follow-up
Treatment	Weight Loss (% of patients)
Diet & Exercise*	2% to 5 %
Medication**	0%
Bariatric Surgery***	50% to 70%
* Success measured as a loss of 10% of initial body weight. ** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends. *** Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight).

Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many comorbid 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
• 61.2 percent reduction of excess weight

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Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery

Do I qualify for insurance coverage for the surgery?

Because every insurance policy is unique, it is important that you thoroughly understand your Certificate of Coverage to know exactly what is and is not covered through your plan.

What is included in the qualifying process?

The qualification process includes a series of tests with your bariatric surgeon. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

What are the routine tests before bariatric surgery?

Certain basic tests typically are performed:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Chemistry screen
• Electrocardiogram
• Psychological evaluation

Other tests that may be requested include:

• Blood glucose test
• Pulmonary function testing
• Sleep study
• Gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation
• Cardiology evaluation

What impact do my medical conditions have on the decision for bariatric surgery, and how can my medical problems affect risk?

Medical problems, such as serious heart or lung problems, can increase the risk of any surgery. On the other hand, many serious medical conditions may improve or resolve after successful bariatric surgery.

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

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. Here are some ways to prepare yourself:

• 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 postoperative diet, including the transition from an all-liquid diet, to pureed food, to a normal diet of smaller portions with four ounces of protein.
• Start a journal in which you 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.

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Comorbid Conditions

What is a comorbid condition?

There are two definitions for a comorbid condition: the presence of one or more disorder or disease in addition to a primary disorder or disease; or, the presence of a disorder or disease that is caused by or otherwise related to another condition in the same patient.

What is type 2 diabetes, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term metabolic disorder where the body produces insulin but resists it. Insulin is necessary for the body to utilize sugar.

• 83.8 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of type 2 diabetes.
• 47.8 percent of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of type 2 diabetes.
• Patients who had bariatric surgery had lower insulin resistance, and their risk for metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure and high amount of fats in the blood also decreased.

What is high blood pressure (hypertension), and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart and kidney damage. Bariatric surgery reduces excess body weight over time, which decreases strain on the heart.

• 75.4 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of high blood pressure.
• 38.4 percent of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of high blood prssure.
• Changes in diet and exercise after surgery can lead to significant improvement of cardiovascular problems.
  

What is high cholesterol, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

High cholesterol is a disorder of lipids—the fat-like substances in the blood. A common form of dyslipidemia is hyperlipidemia (or high cholesterol), the condition that exists when someone has too much of certain lipids in the blood. As these lipids build up inside the artery walls, harmful scar tissue and other debris begin thickening and hardening the walls. In the long term, this can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

• 95 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced improved cholesterol health.
• 78.3 percent of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced improved cholesterol health.

What is sleep apnea, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when breathing suddenly stops because soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Morbid obesity can cause sleep apnea and other respiratory problems that may result in chronic fatigue.

• 86.6 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of sleep apnea.
• 94.6 percent of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of sleep apnea.

What is acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is injury to the esophagus caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid. It is a serious disease that can cause esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma).

• 98 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of acid reflux/GERD.
• 32.3 percent of patients who had gastric banding surgery experienced complete resolution of acid reflux/GERD.

What is the relationship between morbid obesity and cancer?

Morbid obesity may put you at a higher risk for several types of cancer, such as colon, breast and kidney cancer. In 2003 an article in the "New England Journal of Medicine" estimated that obesity could account for:

• 14 percent of all deaths from cancer in men
• 20 percent of all deaths from cancer in women

What is depression, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats, sleeps, thinks and feels. There are many reasons why people with morbid obesity experience depression. Emotional health goes hand in hand with physical health. Lifestyle improvements and renewed health can help resolve depression. Weight loss, combined with counseling, can be very helpful in improving mental health.

• 47 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced improvement of depression symptoms.

What is osteoarthritis, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Known as the wear-and-tear kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which there is a breakdown of joint cartilage. For anyone who is living with morbid obesity, the excess body weight placed on joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, as well as pain caused by inflammation. Bariatric surgery can reduce much of this weight over a long period of time and can be very effective in treating osteoarthritis.

• 41 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of osteoarthritis.

What is stress urinary incontinence, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Among women, morbid obesity is a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence, or uncontrollable urine loss. A large, heavy abdomen and relaxation of the pelvic muscles due to morbid obesity may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to weaken, leading to leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing or laughing. Bariatric surgery has been found to improve stress urinary incontinence. Less weight is placed on the bladder, and other physical changes take place to improve this condition.

• 44 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of stress urinary incontinence.

What is reproductive health, and how is it affected by bariatric surgery?

Reproductive health can be a concern for women struggling with morbid obesity. Issues such as infertility (the inability or reduced ability to produce children) and menstrual irregularities may occur due to morbid obesity. Fertility issues include possible miscarriage, reduced success with fertility treatments and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, women living with morbid obesity are more likely to have children with certain birth defects. A recent study of women following gastric bypass surgery showed improvement of multiple clinical problems related to infertility and PCOS.

• 100 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of menstrual dysfunction due to PCOS.
• 79 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced complete resolution of excess hair due to PCOS.
• Patients who had gastric bypass surgery experienced restored ovulation and fertility.

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Coping with Concerns

How can I deal with my fear of surgery?

The fear of surgery is not irrational or abnormal; in fact, it is very common. Bariatric surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and, depending on the procedure, may shorten the digestive tract—all while the patient is under general anesthesia. If you have concerns, consider the following:

• Share your concerns and fears with your surgeon.
• Attend a support group and speak with patients who likely share the same fears.
• Understand the complication rates and mortality rates of surgery.
• Listen to bariatric surgery patients share their own fears and concerns.

And remember, you’ll have a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your best possible care.
 
How does bariatric surgery change my body?

For people who have spent years living with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can transform their lives. However, it is important to be prepared for all aspects of the treatment. Surgery changes your body by creating a smaller stomach pouch. Learn more about the different types of bariatric procedures.

What is the cost of bariatric surgery?

For many people, bariatric surgery is affordable because it is covered by their health insurance plans. People who do not have insurance coverage for bariatric surgery must pay for it on their own. This is called self-pay or cash-pay. Even without insurance, many people feel that the surgery is worth the investment in their health and seek out alternative financing options.

• Generally, the out-of-pocket costs for gastric bypass are between $20,000 and $30,000.
• Generally, the out-of-pocket costs for gastric banding are between $14,000 and $18,000.

How will I pay for bariatric surgery?

There are several ways to pay for surgery, including:

• Health insurance coverage for bariatric surgery
• Alternative financing options, such as medical loans or home equity loans

How long do I have to stay in the hospital?

It varies from person to person. Generally, the hospital stay (including the day of surgery) can be one to two days for a gastric band, two to three days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass, and five to seven days for an open gastric bypass.

After the surgery, what support will I receive in adjusting to new daily habits?

A typical comprehensive bariatric program will consist of a combination of the following healthcare professionals: a program coordinator, a psychologist, a dietician, an exercise physiologist and other healthcare professionals. Each expert is dedicated to providing support for bariatric patients both before and after surgery. Check with your program to find out about support groups that can be helpful in adjusting to new daily habits.

Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

Most doctors recommend that women wait at least one year after the surgery before a pregnancy. Approximately one year postoperatively, your body should be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint), and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. Consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy.

What about postoperative pain and discomfort?

Many people think bariatric surgery will be followed by a long and painful recovery period. However, most patients report experiencing only discomfort and soreness rather than pain. Recovery does, however, vary from patient to patient.  

How long is recovery?

As with any major surgery, there will be a recovery period. Remember that this is a necessary step, and the better care you take during recovery, the more quickly you will return to normal activity. Recovery time varies from patient to patient. One study found laparoscopic gastric bypass patients spent an average of two days in the hospital and were able to return to work after 21 days.

Results of Five-Year Follow-up
Treatment	Weight Loss (% of patients)
Diet & Exercise*	2% to 5 %
Medication**	0%
Bariatric Surgery***	50% to 70%
* Success measured as a loss of 10% of initial body weight. ** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends. *** Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight).

What is the long-term success of bariatric surgery?

For people suffering from morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool. For the surgery to be effective in the long term, it must be used properly. Through lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy food plan, many patients are able to make a long-term change for better health.

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Life After Surgery

What will my life be like after the surgery?

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing journey toward transforming your health through lifestyle changes. After surgery, you will feel satisfied and fuller with less food. Positive changes in your body, your weight and your health will occur if you maintain the diet and exercise routines recommended by your bariatric program.

How often will I be able to eat?

After the initial recovery period, most patients are instructed to eat one-quarter cup, or two ounces, of food per meal. As time goes on, you can eat more (as instructed by your medical team). Most people can eat approximately one cup of food per meal (with four ounces of protein) a year or more postsurgery. Please review the Bryn Mawr Bariatrics Post-Op Handbook for more healthy diet information.
  
When can I go back to my normal activity level?

Your ability to resume presurgery levels of activity depends on your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Many patients return to normal levels of activity within three to six weeks of surgery.

How much exercise is needed after bariatric surgery?

Exercise is an important part of success after surgery. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition, but the long-term goal is to get 30 minutes of exercise three or more days each week.

Is there any difficulty in taking medications?

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.
 
What is "dumping syndrome"?

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. Dumping syndrome is 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 with sweating and clammy skin, and dizziness.
 
What is the long-term follow-up schedule?

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 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.

How can I find a support group?

Support groups give patients an excellent opportunity to talk about personal issues. Most patients learn, for example, that bariatric surgery will not resolve personal relationship issues. Most bariatric surgeons will tell you that ongoing support after surgery helps to achieve the greatest level of success for their patients. Patients help keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience.

Results of Five-Year Follow-up
Treatment	Weight Loss (% of patients)
Diet & Exercise*	2% to 5 %
Medication**	0%
Bariatric Surgery***	50% to 70%
* Success measured as a loss of 10% of initial body weight. ** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends. *** Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight).

What are the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery?

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
• 61.2 percent reduction of excess weight

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