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Roux-en-Y
Gastric Bypass Surgery FAQs
Will the doctor leave a drain in after surgery?
Most patients who have a gastric bypass will have a small
tube to allow drainage of any accumulated fluids from the
abdomen. This is a safety measure, and it is usually removed
a few days after the surgery. Generally, it produces no more
than minor discomfort.
What are some of the complications that can happen?
As with any major surgery, you are in danger of death from a
blood clot or other surgical side effects. Statistically,
the risk of death during these procedures is less than 1
percent.
All abdominal operations carry the risks of bleeding,
infection in the incision, blood clots of legs (deep venous
thrombosis DVT), lung problems (pneumonia, pulmonary
embolisms), strokes or heart attacks, anesthetic
complications, and blockage or obstruction of the intestine.
These risks are greater in morbidly obese patients.
What is a filter and who needs one?
A filter is a small expandable basket that is placed in the
main vein that returns blood from the legs to the heart. It
is designed to catch blood clots that form in the legs and
prevent more serious complication. Patients who weigh over
300 lbs, have a BMI > 50, or have a history of previous
blood clots or cancer may be candidates for a filter.
How soon will I be able to walk?
Almost immediately after surgery, doctors will require you
to get up and move about. Patients are asked to walk or
stand at the bedside on the night of surgery, take several
walks the next day and thereafter. On leaving the hospital,
you may be able to care for all your personal needs, but
will need help with shopping, lifting and with
transportation.
How soon can I drive?
For your own safety, you should not drive until you have
stopped taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and
alertly to stop your car, especially in an emergency.
Usually this takes 7-14 days after surgery.
Lap-Band
Surgery FAQ
How long will it take to recover after surgery?
If LAP-BAND surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients
typically spend less than 24 hours in the hospital. It takes
most patients about a week to return to work and a month to
six weeks to resume exercising. In the case of open surgery
or if there are complications, recovery may take longer.
Who is a candidate for a LapBand
The LAP-BAND System is indicated for use in weight reduction
for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of
at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe
co-morbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs. or more over
their estimated ideal weight.
Why do I have to have the LapBand adjusted?
The LAP-BAND System is a long-term implant. The LapBand
works by limiting the amount of food that a patient can eat
while reducing the feeling of hunger. To achieve the best
results and maximum weight loss, the band must be inflated..
Band inflation should proceed in small increments to avoid
severe nausea and vomiting. Three to four adjustments are
usually required. Patients should not expect to lose weight
as fast as gastric bypass patients. Patients who become
pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive
nutrition may require deflation of their bands.
What are the complications associated with the LapBand?
Placement of the LAP-BAND System is major surgery and, like
any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include
the risks associated with the medications and methods used
during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical
procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign
object implanted in the body.
Band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the
stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and
vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required.
Rapid weight loss may result in complications that can
require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may
alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal
dilation. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should
be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk
of band erosion. Explant and replacement surgery may be
required at some time.
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