Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is a surgery done to treat obesity. It helps you lose weight by limiting how much food you want to eat. Your doctor will figure your body fat based on your height and weight. It is called body mass index or BMI. A high BMI puts you at more risk of health problems. This procedure is generally done for people with an extremely high BMI, such as over 40. This may also be done for people with a lower BMI if they have very bad health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. ‚
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What will the results be?
- Smaller stomach size
- Weight loss
- You will limit the amount of food you eat
- Your body will absorb less food
- Your body will digest food differently
- Better health
- Better quality of life
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history, do an exam, and order some tests.
- You will talk with the surgery team and a mental health doctor. You may also meet with a dietitian. This person can help you plan your diet changes after surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Tell your doctor about any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- You may be asked to lose some weight before the surgery.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to clear out your stomach and bowel before the procedure.
- You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Take a bath before the procedure. You may be asked to use special soap or wipes to wash your belly. This will help to prevent infection.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make a cut in your belly. This will allow your doctor to do the three steps of this surgery.
- The first is to remove a large part of your stomach. This will make you feel full sooner.
- The second is to route food away from much of your small intestine. This limits how much food your body can absorb.
- The third changes how bile and other digestive juices are used to help your body break down and absorb food.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to a Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake. You may have a sore throat afterwards. You will get drugs through your I.V. to help with your pain.
- Within a few days, the staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- You may need to stay overnight at the hospital or longer if you have any problems.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Walk around the house often when you get home. Try to walk a little more each day. Regular exercise must become a part of your daily routine for you to lose weight.
- Your doctor may have you wear special stockings. These will help to prevent blood clots.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut sites. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. It is important that you follow up with all the healthcare providers that are helping you in this program. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in your legs or lung
- Foul smelling loose stools
- Acid reflux or ulcers
- Weaker bones
- Low vitamin levels
- Throwing up if you eat or drink quickly
- Injury to nearby organs
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/weight-loss-surgery/Pages/how-it-is-performed.aspx ‚
Obesity Action Coalition ‚
http://issuu.com/oacywm/docs/uywlo6-13/37?e=7752303/3432571 ‚
Weight-Control Information Network ‚
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚