FAQs – LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band / Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas/Ft. Worth
The following page features a list of informative questions and answers intended to provide general information about bariatric surgery and the lifestyle changes that accompany all weight loss surgery. If you have specific questions concerning any of the treatments featured on this site, including LAP-BAND surgery, REALIZE Band surgery or gastric bypass surgery, please contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center. Dr. Barker and the entire staff are always available to answer your questions. We will be happy to discuss what you can expect before, during, and after weight loss surgery.
To find out more about LAP-BAND, REALIZE Band, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve weight loss surgeries, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center today.
Obesity Surgery FAQs
Below is a list of informative questions and answers intended to provide general information about bariatric surgery and the lifestyle changes that accompany all weight loss surgery. If you have specific questions concerning any of the treatments featured on this site, Dr. Wade Barker and the entire staff are always available to answer your questions. We will be happy to discuss what you can expect before, during, and after weight loss surgery. To find out more about LAP-BAND, REALIZE Band, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve weight loss surgeries, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center today.
1. Do I qualify for LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band or gastric bypass surgery?
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery with Dallas/Ft. Worth surgeon Wade M. Barker if:
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women)
- You have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious obesity-related health problem (such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or severe sleep apnea)
- You possess a thorough understanding of weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes it will require you to make
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2. How much weight can I expect to lose after undergoing gastric bypass or LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery? How long will it take to lose the weight?
With LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery, an average patient loses about 50 percent of excess body weight. This weight loss occurs over a period of two to three years, with the majority of weight loss occurring in the first year. With gastric bypass surgery, patients with a BMI over 50 tend to lose about the same amount as LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band patients, about 50 percent of excess body weight. Gastric bypass surgery patients with a BMI under 50 often lose about 70 percent of their excess weight. Following a gastric bypass, our patients in Dallas/Ft. Worth and greater Texas can expect to lose about three-quarters of their total weight loss in the first six months; the rest occurs by one year to 18 months.
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3. Can my gastric bypass or LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery be reversed in the future?
Contrary to popular belief, gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, but is rarely needed. LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery, however, is more easily reversible. If necessary, you may undergo surgery to remove, replace, or alter the band.
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4. What happens if I don't obey my dietary guidelines following weight loss surgery?
Ignoring dietary guidelines following surgery can slow down weight loss and make you sick. Many gastric bypass patients who overeat and consume high-fat and high-sugar foods experience "dumping syndrome," which is characterized by sweating, fatigue, and diarrhea. Overeating can also cause vomiting, and band slippage in LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band and REALIZE Band patients.
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5. Will I need to undergo plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin? Will it be covered by insurance?
After losing weight, many patients find that they are left with large amounts of excess, saggy skin on their bodies. To remove this skin, some patients choose to undergo plastic surgery. Since this is considered cosmetic surgery, it is typically not covered by insurance. Therefore, patients who think they might like to have plastic surgery to remove excess skin should save money for it as soon as they decide to undergo LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery or gastric bypass weight loss surgery at our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice.
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6. Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery?
After undergoing gastric bypass weight loss surgery, you will find that even small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. For the first year, it is suggested that you completely refrain from drinking alcohol. After that, alcohol should be regarded as a dessert and be consumed infrequently. Patients who undergo LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band surgery or gastric bypass surgery should avoid alcoholic drinks because they tend to be high in calories and can hamper weight loss.
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7. If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke?
Cardiovascular disease is caused by obesity, high blood pressure and smoking. We highly recommend quitting smoking. Why get healthy everywhere else and then continue damaging your health with smoking?
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8. Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery?
Not only does exercise burn calories, but it also helps to build and preserve muscle. If you don't exercise daily, your body will consume your unused muscle as you lose weight. This will cause you to lose muscle mass and strength. For this reason, patients are encouraged to begin exercising soon after LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band or gastric bypass surgery. Visit our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice to discuss which type of exercise is appropriate following surgery.
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9. Can I get pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery?
You should avoid pregnancy for at least one year after weight loss surgery at our Dallas/Ft. Worth surgical center. This is because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can be harmful to a developing fetus. Once a year has passed and you have returned to a regular diet, you should be able to have a healthy pregnancy. Babies born after bariatric surgery tend to be thinner and are less prone to weight-gain and long-term health problems than babies born prior to weight loss surgery. Please consult your LAP-BAND/gastric bypass surgeon for more information.
Click here for a recent study regarding pregnancy and obesity surgery.
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10. How can I prevent hair loss after undergoing weight loss surgery?
Rapid weight loss often causes patients to lose some hair a few months after surgery. This is usually due to reduced intake of protein and the mineral zinc. Therefore, we recommend that you consume adequate amounts of protein and take a daily zinc supplement after LAP-BAND/REALIZE Band or gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Dallas/Ft. Worth weight loss surgeon Dr. Wade Barker will tell you more about the appropriate supplements to take after weight loss surgery.
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11. What is dumping syndrome?
Dumping is a group of symptoms caused by eating or drinking high sugar or high carbohydrate foods and causes increased “racing” heart rate, sweating, cramping of the bowels and diarrhea.
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