FAQs
- How much time do I need to take off of work?
Most patients are back to their “normal selves” in about a week or less (similar to gallbladder surgery). However, if possible, we suggest patients take 2-4 weeks off from work to focus on adjusting to their new stomach and lifestyle.
- Will I have scars after the surgery?
The surgery is performed laparoscopically and typically involves 5 tiny incisions. 4 of these incisions are about 5mm (the width of a pea). One of the incisions is approximately 15mm (less than the width of a loonie ).
- How long will I be in hospital?
Patients are monitored for about 24 hours after surgery.
- Will I be completely asleep during the procedure?
Yes. An expert, board-certified anesthesiologist will be present to ensure you are completely asleep for the entire duration of the procedure.
- How long does the actual operation take to perform?
For most patients, once they are asleep, the procedure takes less than 30min to complete.
- Do I need to take vitamins after the surgery?
Yes. You will need to take a few daily vitamins for the rest of your life to ensure that you are as healthy as possible.
- Is the surgery reversible?
Since we remove the stretchy portion of the stomach, this procedure cannot be reversed. In unusual circumstances, we can convert it to a gastric bypass or a duodenal switch, but this is rarely necessary. Read on for more information.
- Will I be able to dine at restaurants with family and friends?
Dining out is often the focal point of many social events. This habit won’t change much after you have weight loss surgery, but your portion sizes definitely will. Whether you are going to a big chain restaurant or stopping at a convenience store for a snack, eating out after bariatric surgery is certainly possible as long as you continue to focus on making healthy choices to ensure that you are meeting your daily protein goal. Remember, now that you’ve had bariatric surgery, it may be helpful to try to share a meal with a friend, ask for a box ahead of time, or order off the kids menu to help you to watch portion sizes.
- Will weight loss surgery also improve my other medical conditions?
Weight loss surgery will often completely cure or significantly improve virtually every obesity-related disease. This includes: high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, osteoarthritis, and urinary stress incontinence to name a few!
- Is this procedure like a “lap band”?
No. This procedure is quite different from a lap-band. It does not involve placing any foreign materials into your body. The gastric sleeve results in numerous hormonal and biochemical changes within your body to help curb your appetite and keep your body from storing fat. The gastric sleeve has become the most commonly performed procedure in North America and has essentially replaced the old lap-band procedure.