FAQs - LAP-BAND® / Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas, Texas
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 or gastric bypass surgery, please contact our Dallas, Texas bariatric surgery center. 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® or gastric bypass weight loss surgery, contact our Dallas, Texas bariatric surgery center today.
- Do I qualify for LAP-BAND® or gastric bypass surgery?
- How much weight can I expect to lose after undergoing gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery?
- Can my gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery be reversed in the future?
- What happens if I don't obey my dietary guidelines following weight loss surgery?
- Will I need to undergo plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin? Will it be covered by insurance?
- Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery?
- If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke?
- Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery?
- Can I get pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery?
- How can I prevent hair loss after undergoing weight loss surgery?
Do I qualify for LAP-BAND® or gastric bypass surgery?
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery with Dallas 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 have been obese for at least five years
- You do not have a history of addiction or psychiatric problems (such as depression)
- You possess a thorough understanding of weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes it will require you to make.
How much weight can I expect to lose after undergoing gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery? How long will it take to lose the weight?
With LAP-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® 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 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.
Can my gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery be reversed in the future?
Gastric bypass surgery cannot be easily reversed. LAP-BAND® surgery, however, is more easily reversible. If necessary, you may undergo surgery to remove, replace, or alter the band.
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.
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® surgery or gastric bypass weight loss surgery at our Dallas, Texas practice.
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, you may have small amounts of alcohol with your doctor's approval. Patients who undergo LAP-BAND® surgery or gastric bypass surgery should avoid alcoholic drinks because they tend to be high in calories and can hamper weight loss.
If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke?
Patients who smoke cigarettes are asked to quit six to eight weeks prior to LAP-BAND® or gastric bypass weight loss surgery.
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® or gastric bypass surgery. Visit our Dallas, Texas practice to discuss which type of exercise is appropriate following surgery.
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 County 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. Please consult your LAP-BAND® / gastric bypass surgeon for more information.
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® or gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Dallas, Texas weight loss surgeon Wade Barker, M.D. will tell you more about the appropriate supplements to take after weight loss surgery.
If you have any further questions about weight loss surgery, LAP-BAND® surgery, or gastric bypass, contact our Dallas, Texas bariatric surgery center today.
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For more information about LAP-BAND® or gastric bypass weight loss surgery, contact our Dallas, Texas practice.
Dr. Wade Barker
1151 North Buckner Blvd
Professional Bldg #1, Suite #308
Dallas, Texas 75218
Phone: (866) 880-1444
click here for a map and directions to our office
A body mass index (BMI) of 20-25 is considered normal, 25-30 overweight, and 30-40 obese. Individuals with a BMI over 40 are considered morbidly obese. You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you have a BMI of 40 or more or if you have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious obesity-related health problem.