Weight Loss Surgery Questions

My Weight Loss
Surgery Questions

41-50

41. I take 1000 mg. twice a day of glucophage. I know you aren’t supposed to take it for several days before surgery or before certain tests. What do I do to keep my blood sugar under control for those days?

We have patients take their Glucophage and other diabetic meds up to the time of surgery. Blood sugars are managed in the hospital using a sliding scale and regular insulin. Oral meds are started after patients go home.

42. Does Dr. Johnell prescribe prophylactic antibiotics post-op?

Dr. Johnell prescribes antibiotics in the pre-op area (IV) and for 24 hours post-op in the hospital only.

43. I always get nauseous from anesthesia and w/o anti-nausea medication get extremely ill and vomit post-op. Does Dr. Johnell prescribe anti-nausea medication pre-op?

Medications besides antibiotics that are given in the pre-op area are under the domain of the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will visit you in the pre-op area, at which time you may ask him for extra medications to ward off nausea.

44. Since I’m familiar with both, can you compare the recovery from WLS to the recovery from open gallbladder surgery or a tummy tuck? Is the WLS a longer/more difficult recovery or are these other surgeries more difficult? Why?

Patients tell me that open gallbladder and tummy-tuck are more painful than laparoscopic gastric bypass. Recovery is more difficult with the GBP due to the fluid and supplement regimen one must follow post-op, but it is not necessarily more difficult than open gallbladder surgery for any other reason.

45. Do you have post-op WLS patients who are willing to speak to me about their experiences?

We do have post-op bariatric surgery patients called "Bariatric Angels' who are willing to speak with you. Some of these patients will even come visit you in the hospital. Call the office for some names and numbers, or come to the support group meeting for a list to take home.

46. Tell me about your support program for your WLS patients.

The support group meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 6:30 p.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m. in the basement classroom area of the Clinic.

47. Explain how the size of the pouch is determined during the surgery? Is it guesswork or done with the aid of an instrument?

The size of the pouch is never guesswork, is approximately one half-ounce in size when created, and is created using an instrument called an "anvil."

48. About 1 oz. is the size of the initial pouch that is made, correct? What is the size of the pouch long-term?

Over a period of about two years, the pouch will expand and mature. Two weeks after surgery, patients are usually able to drink 2 ounces at a time without trouble. Pouches grow to an average of 6 ounces in size when completely mature, with a range of 3-10 ounces.

49. Are the staple lines stitched in addition to the staples?

Some of the staple lines are hand-stitches in addition to stapling.

50. What rechecks are done post-op? Do you do 'leak tests' periodically to check for leakage after healing should have been accomplished? Or is that unnecessary?

Office rechecks are at 6 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and yearly (if possible), after that. Upper GI is not ever necessary post-op unless there is a problem.

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mossman2@attbi.com
Last updated on 11/1/02