Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I am eligible for weight-loss surgery?
A. The Comprehensive Weight Management Center at Holston Valley Medical Center follows guidelines supported by the National Institutes of Health in order to determine a patient's eligibility for weight-loss surgery. Rather than using weight, we use body mass index (BMI) – excess fat in relation to height – as a criteria. Individuals may be candidates for surgery if:
- They have failed previous attempts at weight loss in a medically-supervised program
- Their BMI is greater than 40 or between 35 and 40 with major obesity-related medical problems
Before becoming eligible for surgery, you will meet with our surgeons, dietitians and members of our nursing staff for a full evaluation.
Q. How do I determine my body mass index – or BMI?
A. Body mass index is calculated using a person’s height and weight. Calculate your BMI.
Q. What age must a person be in order to have weight-loss surgery?
A. The general range of weight-loss surgery patients is between 18 and 65 years of age. People who are slightly younger or older will be considered on a case by case basis.
Q. Is weight-loss surgery right for everyone?
A. The short answer is no. Surgery is not a solution for everyone. We only determine whether a patient is right for surgery after a complete evaluation and discussion with the patient. Because weight-loss surgery is a life-altering procedure, we want to confirm our patients are committed to making the lifestyle changes needed to promote safe and successful long-term weight loss.
Q. What are the risks of weight-loss surgery?
A. All major surgery comes with risks, and the risks are different for each patient. At Holston Valley, our center is accredited as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, which means you will receive top quality care. During an evaluation appointment, our staff can help determine and explain your individual risk level.
Q. How much weight will I lose? Will the weight loss be quick?
A. The amount of weight you lose, and how fast you lose it, will depend on which weight-loss surgery is right for you. Patients who have laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding using the REALIZE™ or LAP-BAND® devices or those who have sleeve gastrectomy usually lose weight more slowly the first year than those who have gastric bypass surgery. But the total weight loss is comparable with each procedure if patients exercise and follow the recommended diet. A successful patient would be expected to lose up to 50 percent or more of his or her excess weight.
Q. How long will I have to stay in the hospital after surgery?
A. Your hospital stay will depend on the type of weight-loss surgery you have and will be tailored to your particular situation. Typically, hospital stay for laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is one day or overnight. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients usually go home the second day after surgery.
Q. Can I become pregnant after weight loss surgery?
A. Women should avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months after surgery. Please discuss any pregnancy plans with your caregiver during one of your appointments.
Q. How long will I be off of work after surgery?
A. Your time out of work will depend on the type of weight-loss surgery you have. After laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery using the REALIZE™ or LAP-BAND® devices, a patient can typically return to work in about two weeks. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures may require an average recovery time of two to three weeks. If possible, taking additional time off will allow you the opportunity to practice new eating habits, resume exercise and build your energy level.
Q. Should I exercise after weight-loss surgery?
A. Regular exercise is extremely important for maintaining your weight loss. Your bariatric surgery team will help you with the types of exercise you should be doing and how soon after surgery you should start doing them.
Q. Why is it important for me to consider weight-loss surgery a tool and to continue working on proper diet and exercise?
A. Bariatric surgery alone will not result in optimal healthy weight loss. Lack of follow through on diet, exercise and daily habits can result in poor weight loss and can lead to the regain of previously lost weight. It is possible to cheat after any weight-loss surgery. Failure to follow through on recommendations or skipping follow-up appointments after surgery can also lead to unhealthy weight loss, weight gain or other medical problems.