Weight Loss Surgery Questions

My Weight Loss
Surgery Questions

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1. Realistic amount of time needed off of work post op?

A minimum of 3 weeks, but with a possibility of returning part-time for desk-type jobs, after 2 weeks.

2. Average length of time from consultation until surgery date? (My insurance told me should take about 2 weeks for approval once all paperwork was received from them). i.e. How far away is Dr. Johnell currently scheduling surgeries?

Average length of time from consultation to surgery is two months. Dr. Johnell is scheduling surgeries for the first two weeks of October at this time (as of 9/6/02). September appears to be full.

3. I’ve had my gallbladder out; can I still get gallstones from rapid weight loss after WLS?

No, you cannot get gallstones after your gallbladder has been removed.

4. What about kidney stones? I’ve had 3 kidney stones in the past few years, and have a family history of them as well. Can WLS cause kidney stones as well as gallstones? If so, what can I do to prevent this?

WLS in and of itself is not known to cause kidney stones. Dehydration can lead to stones, however, and dehydration is present in varying degrees after GBP (gastric bypass).

5. Hair loss…I lost a lot of hair when I did Optifast in the late 1980’s. It never did come back in very thick. Would Rogaine, Biotin, and/or Nioxin or something like that now and post op help with possible hair loss? Where do I buy it and when should I start using it to minimize the hair loss?

If you tend to lose hair with very low calorie diets, you will likely experience some hair loss after GPB. You can "tank up" on a few vitamins and minerals to attempt to minimize the hair loss. Some of these are biotin, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin C, and a few herbs. Nutrilite® makes a product called "Complex for Hair, Skin, and Nails" which you can order from Liz Dasher at dasherent@wwdb.org or phone # 1-970-371-6277. Some of our patients think this product works well.

6. A book on Weight Loss Surgery that I’ve read (Weight Loss Surgery: Understanding & Overcoming Morbid Obesity by Michelle Boasten) talks about hair loss and says you should not use chemicals on your hair for several months post-op. Should I plan to stop tinting my hair for 6 months or so to help minimize hair loss?

Tinting your hair would probably affect the texture of your hair more than inducing hair loss. These products have become rather benign over the years. I personally would continue tinting my hair. Do ask your beautician for an organic, and mild product.

7. Medications – I’m on lots now. How do you take pills immediately post-op when you aren’t eating? I’m concerned especially with the hypertension issue.

You take pills after GBP with a lot of patience and finesse! One day at a time, add one more pill or supplement. Meds that are not optional to skip have to be ground up and put in pudding or juice (NOT time-released meds). I tell my patients that skipping anti-depressants is not optional. Anti-hypertensives (blood pressure meds) and hypoglycemics (diabetes meds), are generally not optional to exclude. You and your private physician (not Dr. Johnell) will need to monitor these types of meds on a regular and frequent basis. It is not a good idea to take diuretics after GBP.

8. I already have a hernia and I had a tummy tuck after the Optifast (insurance approved and paid for). What are the odds I could get approval again once I’ve lost the weight to have the hernia fixed and have a revision to the tummy tuck? Or…would the hernia be fixed at the same time the WLS is done?

I don't know what the odds are for you to be re-operated for tummy tuck! That would depend on a few factors such as being able to "prove" a medical need, how lenient your policy is, etc.

9. How long after surgery until I could go swimming? In a pool? In the ocean? Snorkeling?

You can swim when all wounds are healed up in any type of water.

10. Realistically, how much weight should I (me personally) be able to lose successfully with WLS and keep off long-term?

You should be able to lose up to 80% of your excess weight. Excess weight is your present weight minus your ideal body weight as outlined in the handbook. Long-term, patients tend to gain back some of their earlier loss to between 70 and 80% of excess weight.

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mossman2@attbi.com
Last updated on 9/19/02