Frequently asked
QUESTIONS

Will I have Nausea and Vomiting?

After gastric restriction, if one gets a full feeling and continues to eat, chances are that an episode of vomiting will result. Most patients have this happen several times and quickly learn to follow instructions to eat slowly, chew food well, and avoid that last bite when fullness occurs. Typically following the surgery, a profound feeling of satisfaction follows the fullness within a few minutes and further eating causes nausea and vomiting.

What can I expect with my bowel habit?

After restrictive surgery, the amount of food consumed is greatly reduced and the quantity of roughage consumed may be much smaller. Correspondingly, the amount of bowel movements will be diminished, causing less frequent bowel activity and constipation. Diarrhea, bloating, cramping, malodorous stool or flatus may occur following gastric bypass surgery or duodenal switch. Prescribed medications and dietary changes can be used to help alleviate discomfort. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

Will I lose hair?

During the phase of rapid weight loss, calorie intake is much less than the body needs and protein intake is marginal. The body is in a panic state similar to what would happen during a period of starvation. One of the side effects, in some persons, is inactivation of 30 - 40% (rather than the usual 10%) of hair follicles, causing noticeable amounts of hair to fall out. This is a transient effect and resolves when nutrition and weight stabilize. We advise patients to avoid hair treatments and permanent dyes and be sure of adequate protein intake. Sometimes a zinc supplement will help and Minoxidil (a drug to prevent and reverse hair loss) may be tried.

How can I prevent loss of my muscle mass?

When the body is in a panic state and trying to combat starvation, it hoards its precious fat until any other usable fuel has been burned. Practically, the body will prefer to bum muscle mass before consuming its precious fat If muscle is not regularly used for exercise, like every day, it will be consumed to meet energy needs. Loss of muscle mass is preventable. It is very important during active weight loss following surgery (or even when on a diet), to exercise vigorously every day. We recommend at least 30 minutes a day 7 days a week of aerobic activity. Devote particular attention to upper body strength. Many persons find that after a few weeks or months of regular daily exercise that they actually begin to enjoy it and start to work out even more. Fairly vigorous exercise, for more than 30 minutes a day, can greatly enhance fat-burning and hasten weight loss. It also builds a healthy and beautiful body.

How much weight will I lose?

The outcome of surgery depends largely upon the patient's response in terms of healing and complications, motivation to follow instructions after surgery as well as your own body response to the whole process. Inevitably the body adjusts itself to the surgery and the weight loss slows down and reaches a plateau. In some patients this happens earlier than others. However, it is impossible to predict how much a patient will lose after any surgery and weight loss is not guaranteed.

What about pregnancy?

Pregnancy can happen following weight loss surgery, therefore, requiring special warning. Many severely overweight women are infertile because the fatty tissue soaks up the normal hormones and makes some of its own as well. This completely confuses the ovaries and uterus and causes a lack of ovulation. As weight loss occurs, this situation may change quickly. It is important to avoid conception during the phase of weight loss - about 18 months after surgery. You will not be able to provide adequate nutrition to both yourself and a fetus during pregnancy. This requires special attention to contraception, even by those who think that it can't happen. "Natural" infertility may not last - in fact; it can go away in one night! Birth control pills may not be absorbed well and so even when you are taking them there is a risk of contraception failure. Talk to your physician about other options such as Nuvaring or a patch.