General Information

The First Step

A questionnaire needs to first be completed that reviews your past dietary history and weight loss attempts. In addition, your past medical history is reviewed. Your surgeon will go over the operation in detail and take an in–depth history. After these basics have been obtained then your will be referred for preoperative evaluation by a team consisting of a dietician, a psychologist, and a medical practitioner. This also affords you an opportunity to have all questions addressed.

The Second Step

Most, if not all, insurance companies require prior written authorization of the operation prior to hospitalization. This means a summary letter must be sent to your insurer which includes both the history and physical examination results along with the psychological evaluation. This can be time consuming and may take 4–6 weeks. In addition, if your insurance company requests further information, this will take additional time. Persistence and patience are generally well rewarded. Once approval has been received, surgery can generally be scheduled as conveniently as possible for you.

Gastric Bypass Hospital Stay

The vast majority of patients are admitted the morning of surgery and would be discharged three days after the day of surgery. Exceptions to this would be patients who are over 400 pounds and who have severe fluid retention or heart disease. These patients may need to be admitted 1–2 days prior to the day of surgery to treat the fluid retention and improve their breathing capacity. These patients may also need to be in the hospital 1–2 days longer after surgery, but most patients are in the hospital a total of four days.

Potential Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Any operation, no matter how big or small, has the potential for complications. This is a major operation and the potential complications include, but are not exclusive to: wound infection, incisional hernia, bleeding, blood clots in the legs or lungs, heart failure, heart attack, abscess, bowel obstruction, staple line leakage and other potentially serious complications. Minor complications include: wound infection, mild pneumonia, stomal strictures, and wound healing problems. With a severe complication, death could result.

Discharge from the Hospital after Gastric Bypass Surgery

After your stay in the hospital, you will be sent home when you are doing well and can either care for yourself or have made appropriate arrangements for some assistance at home for a few days. You will be seen in your surgeon’s office approximately 14–21 days after discharge. During the first days you are home before your first office visit, you will be on a liquid diet which includes clear liquids and a protein rich supplement such as carnations instant breakfast. Decaffeinated tea or coffee are allowed. After your first visit, you will be started on a full liquid diet which includes cooked cereals, strained soups, skim milk, plain yogurt, juices and other foods. You will be gradually advanced to pureed and finally solid foods over a 6 week period. All patients should take a multivitamin with minerals and iron once a day, every day for life.

Email For More Information:

obesity_surgeon@midhosp.org