Doctor’s Office

What Should My Diet Look Like After Gastric Bypass?

July 1, 2020

Following your gastric bypass surgery there are specific dietary guidelines you should adhere to in order to minimize side-effects, reduce the potential for complications, optimize weight loss, and ensure you get the proper nutrients. While your weight loss surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow that are personalized for your unique needs, generally speaking the dietary intake guidelines you receive are designed to assist in stomach healing, prevent stretching of the stomach, aid in safe and comfortable digestion, prevent nutrient deficiencies, help you become accustomed to eating smaller amounts of food, assist you in losing weight, and prevent weight gain. Our weight loss surgeons generally make the following dietary recommendations for post-operative gastric bypass patients: Following surgery, start with clear liquids while you are in the hospital. Once you go home you will be on a full liquid diet for two weeks. Then you will move on to pureed foods for a week and then move to soft foods for a week. When you get approval from your doctor, you can move on to advanced foods. Most patients... Read More

How Can I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

April 29, 2019

Many patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise are curious if they qualify for bariatric surgery. Of course, two factors contribute to “qualification.” You can qualify for surgery, and you can qualify according to your medical policy. To help people better understand the approval process, our weight loss surgeons offer a quick overview of what medical insurance companies may require for approval for weight loss surgery, as well as the typical qualifications to be a candidate for a weight loss procedure. Two main aspects are considered when determining if a patient is a good candidate for a bariatric procedure: body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related health conditions. Each weight loss technique has slightly different requirements for BMI, which is usually modified based on whether an individual also experiences weight-related medical concerns. Generally speaking, the minimum BMI for any weight loss surgery is 35. As for the medical insurance approval process, this can vary dramatically from policy to policy. However, most insurances that cover bariatric surgery will require a patient to prove they have made a sincere... Read More

Can I Have Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery?

March 15, 2019

Initially after weight loss surgery you will have significant restrictions on what you can eat and drink, and this list includes caffeine. However, that does not mean you can never have caffeinated beverages ever again. Our bariatric surgeons want patients to understand that their stomachs are quite sensitive after a procedure. As a result, they need to be very careful about how they reintroduce foods and liquids. Caffeine should be avoided for the first 30 days after you have surgery. If you love coffee or caffeinated tea, you may reintroduce these beverages into your diet slowly after this point if your surgeon thinks it is safe to do so. Most people enjoy their coffee or tea with other substances, including sweeteners and dairy. Choose wisely about which caffeinated items you drink and how much sugar and fat are in them. With a little care, you can continue to sip your favorite type of drinks, including caffeinated ones, once your body has healed. For more information about what to eat and drink after bariatric surgery, please reach out to our medical... Read More

Does Bariatric Surgery Cause Hair Loss?

February 15, 2019

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing in many ways, and it offers a chance for patients to restore their confidence as well as their health. That said, some effects of weight loss surgery are less well-received, and one of the most common is hair loss. Hair loss following bariatric surgery can occur for a number of reasons, but in the majority of cases, the effect is temporary. The cause of temporary hair loss after weight loss surgery typically results from a response to anesthesia or due to the severe calorie reduction that follows treatment. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and is usually a short-term condition. Depending on your risk for hereditary hair thinning and loss, regrowth may be complete or partial after a few to several months. Many hair restoration options now exist that may help regrow hair that was shed during the recovery period without returning. That said, most patients find this effect a minor bump on the road to a healthier, happier life. If you have any questions about hair loss following weight loss... Read More

Do I Need Revisional Bariatric Surgery?

January 7, 2019

Most bariatric patients hope to have a single procedure to address their concerns, but in some cases a second surgery may be necessary. The reasons for this can vary, and your options for revision weight loss surgery will also depend on the technique originally used and the goal of the second surgery. If you think you may need revisional bariatric surgery, our extensively trained and board-certified weight loss surgeons can help you identify the problem and develop a customized solution that optimizes your results. Some of the reasons patients may need revision bariatric surgery include: Complications stemming from the initial procedure Insufficient weight loss Excessive weight loss Preference for another weight loss technique The final possibility, preference for another weight loss technique, is quite uncommon, but is often expressed in combination with another issue, such as insufficient weight loss or complications. During your initial consultation, we will review your results, discuss your desired outcome, go over your lifestyle habits, and provide guidance as to the next step in your care. Talk to us today for more information.