Most of the patients who come to the Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center have many questions. The decision to have weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision. Be sure that all of your questions are answered as you gather information about surgery. The more information you have, the more comfortable you will be about your surgery and the lifestyle changes that will ensure your success. Call the office at (513) 559-2545 today!

1. What's the difference between the open gastric bypass technique and the laparoscopic gastric bypass or lap band procedures?
   The laparoscopic procedure uses a camera and very small incisions to accomplish the same operation as with the open technique. This results in the same weight loss results but minimizes pain, scarring, hospital stay, and recovery time.



2. How long will it take to lose my excess weight?
   For gastric bypass patients, about half of your weight loss will occur within the first three months. Lap band patients will lose their weight at a slower pace, but the weight loss will continue over a much longer period of time. You will continue to lose weight at a slower pace for about nine more months.



3. How long will I be in the hospital?
   The majority of patients stay for 48 hours after gastric bypass surgery is completed. The hospital stay for lap band procedure is usually shorter.



4. When will I be able to go back to work?
   If you have a job that requires minimal physical exertion, you can go back after two weeks. More strenuous jobs will require three or more weeks off.



5. Will this operation affect my ability to have children?
   It is of utmost importance to avoid pregnancy for the first 18 in months after surgery. After that, pregnancy is not a problem but your obstetrician must be informed that you have had a gastric bypass or lap band procedure.

Call the office at (513) 559-2545 today!