What is the Weight-Loss Surgery Program? 

The Weight-Loss Surgery Center is a multi-disciplinary surgical weight loss program designed around medical and clinical professionals dedicated to assisting you in your commitment to making a lifestyle change.  There are no miracle pills, fad diets, or gimmicks.  It is a program for persons at least 100 pounds over their ideal body weight and who have made serious attempts to lose weight through other methods.  It is designed for the person who experiences the discomforts of obesity and who has other adverse health effects as well.

Is a Psychological Evaluation required for Weight-Loss Surgery?

A routine psychological screening is a means of distinguishing a qualified candidate who may be at risk of psychiatric complications or poor weight loss post-operatively. Although you may have undergone a previous psychiatric evaluation,  the Weight-Loss Surgery Program requires that one of the psychologists in our program conduct a screening prior to surgery. The following is a list of factors the psychologist may use for evaluation of bariatric surgery candidates.

·        Past or present history of a major psychiatric disorder, especially a psychosis

·        Acute psychosocial crisis

·        Extreme evidence of depression or other expected emotional reaction to morbid obesity

·        Unrealistic expectations of surgery, for example, a conviction that surgery will make a spouse love them more or that the patient will be able to lose weight without restricting the amount and type of food eaten

·        Abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs or nonprescription drugs

·        Evidence of extreme ambivalence about the surgery such as forgetting important appointments associated with the surgery.  It is important that prior to your psychological evaluation, you contact your insurance company to inquire about your mental health benefits. Familiarize yourself with your out-of-pocket expenses

How does this procedure assist in weight loss?

Many morbidly obese people may be in life threatening situations. They have tried many diets with little or no success. Even when they experience weight loss, the weight is often re-gained with added pounds. The weight-loss surgery procedures can provide long term results when patients comply with the nutritional/exercise guidelines and are committed to the program requirements.

What kind of diet is required after surgery?

After surgery different textures of food are introduced, starting with liquids, followed by pureed and finally advancing to solid foods. At the solid food stage, the food must be high in protein and consumed in much smaller quantities than prior to surgery.

How much food can be consumed after surgery?

Clear liquids are limited to one to two ounces per meal immediately after surgery so that the stomach can heal properly.  The quantity and texture of the food that can be eaten increases over time. At its maximum capacity, the stapled pouch should hold between four to eight ounces of food.

Do calories have to be counted after surgery?

YES! calories are still counted after surgery.

How quickly does a person lose weight after the surgery?

Weight-loss is highly individualized. The amount of weight lost after surgery is dependent on many factors, including age, sex, amount of weight to lose, and compliance with the nutritional and exercise components of the program.

Once the desired weight is lost, how does one maintain that weight?

By maintaining the amount of calories and nutritional needs required in addition to an ongoing exercise program.

How long will one have to watch their weight? Is it forever?

YES! You will want to maintain the caloric intake in proportion to your desired weight, control your eating behaviors and maintain a regular exercise program.

How long does the surgery take?

Although this varies and is dependent on your surgeon’s evaluation.

What are the potential risks?

There are risks and complications, including death, associated with all major surgical procedures and severe obesity increases these risks.  It is of the utmost importance that you discuss the possible benefits and all the possible risks of obesity surgery with your physician.

Long-term weight-loss varies for each patient and will depend upon diet and exercise.