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What procedures are
offered at the SC Obesity Surgery Center?
The surgeons SC Obesity Surgery Center perform the LapBand
and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These are the two most
commonly performed weight loss operations in the world.
Who will decide which surgery I will have?
The decision between Lap Band and gastric bypass will be
made at the time of consultation with the surgeon. There are
many factors that influence this decision including the
patient’s medical conditions and preference. The final
decision will be an agreement between the patient and
surgeon. Who will be present at my surgery? The surgeons at
the SC Obesity Surgery Center are experts in weight loss
(Bariatric) and minimally invasive (Laparoscopic) surgery.
They have been recognized as Center of Excellence surgeons
by the Society for Bariatric Surgery. There are always two
surgeons present at each operation.
Will I have a laparoscopic or open operation?
Over 95% of the operations are performed laparoscopically
(small incisions). If the surgeon determines, during the
surgery, that it is not safe to continue laparoscopically
then the procedure will be converted to the open type
(larger incision). It is usually due to scarring from
previous surgeries.
Does Laparoscopic Surgery decrease the risk?
No. Laparoscopic operations carry the same risk as the
procedure performed as an open operation. The benefits of
laparoscopy are typically less discomfort, shorter hospital
stay, earlier return to work and reduced scarring.
Will I have a lot of pain?
Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make
it possible for you to move about quickly and become active.
This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often several
drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery
pain. While you are still in the hospital, a Patient
Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give
yourself a dose of pain medicine on demand, may be used,
Various methods of pain control, depending on your type of
surgical procedure, are available. Ask your surgeon about
other pain management options.
What is the youngest age for which weight loss surgery is recommended?
Generally accepted guidelines from the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes
of Health indicate surgery only for those 18 years of age and older. Surgery has been performed on patients
16 and younger. There is a real concern that young patients may not have reached full developmental or
emotional maturity to make this type of decision. It is important that young weight loss surgery patients
have a full understanding of the lifelong commitment to the altered eating and lifestyle changes necessary
for success.
What is the oldest patient for whom weight loss surgery is recommended?
Patients over 65 require very strong indications for surgery and must also meet stringent Medicare criteria.
The risk of surgery in this age group is increased, and the benefits, in terms of reduced risk of mortality,
are reduced.
Can Weight Loss Surgery prolong my life?
There is good evidence from scientific research that if you have Type 2 diabetes (or other serious
obesity-related health conditions), are at least 100 lbs. over ideal body weight, and are able to comply
with lifestyle changes (daily exercise and low-fat diet), then weight loss surgery may significantly
prolong your life.
Can weight loss surgery help other physical conditions?
According to current research, weight loss surgery can improve or resolve associated health conditions.
| Condition |
Percentage found in preoperative individuals |
Percentage cured 2 years after surgery |
| Diabetes or insulin resistance |
34% |
85% |
| High blood pressure |
26% |
66% |
| High triglycerides |
40% |
85% |
| Sleep apnea |
22% in males, 1% in females |
40% |
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