Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General
1. Why should I choose SC Obesity Surgery Center for my Bariatric Surgery?
We offer a comprehensive weight management program with all the resources to ensure you are successful with your weight loss goals. We are one of a few programs in the country to hold dual Center of Excellence Certifications through the Surgical Review Corporation and the American College of Surgeons. We have 24-7 call coverage by a bariatric surgeon. Care is delivered by a dedicated team of highly skilled surgeons, nutritionists, nurses and other caregivers who understand obesity and weight loss surgery. Together, we deliver coordinated care that addresses every aspect of obesity and its related health conditions. We provide total care to the obese patient. We provide resources to encourage long-term follow-up and success. Since many stigmas may be associated with obesity, we provide weight loss service in a caring and supportive environment which includes sensitivity training for our team members.
2. How do I make an appointment?
All patients must first attend a seminar or webinar to learn more about weight loss surgery including the risks and benefits. To register for a seminar please call 866-560-4415 or log on from our website, www.scobesity.com to view the webinar. The webinar is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. After you attend the seminar or webinar, you will be scheduled to see one of our surgeons. We have openings for new patients throughout the day which allow us to provide you with a timely and convenient appointment.
3. How much weight will I lose?
Most patients will lose between 50-70% of their excess weight, depending upon the type of procedure that is performed. The surgeon will discuss your individual health circumstances with you and assist in setting appropriate weight loss expectations.
4. How do I choose which surgery is right for me?
One of our experienced surgeons will review your medical history and the two of you will determine which surgery will be best suited for you during your consultation.
5. When can I return to work?
Most patients are able to return to work within 1-6 weeks of surgery, depending on the type of surgery and type of work that you do.
6. Will I have excess skin after weight loss surgery?
Some individuals may experience folds of excess skin. In such cases, bariatric plastic surgery procedures can help reshape the normal structure of the body.
7. When are the support groups?
SC Obesity offers monthly support group meetings for all patients. A copy of our support group meetings are posted on our website.
8. When can I start working out?
Many patients are hesitant about exercising after surgery, but exercise is an essential component of success after surgery. Exercise actually begins on the afternoon of surgery. The patient must be out of bed and walking. The goal is to walk further on the next day, and progressively further every day after that, including the first few weeks at home. Once the patient is released from medical restrictions, they are encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by the level of wound discomfort. The type of exercise is dictated by the patient's overall condition. Some patients who have severe knee problems can't walk well, but may be able to swim or bicycle. Many patients begin with low stress forms of exercise and are encouraged to progress to more vigorous activity when they are able. We offer a complimentary, no charge initial exercise program to patients for the first 90 days after surgery.
9. Can I still get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
It is strongly recommended that women wait at least one year, preferably two years, after the surgery before a pregnancy. Approximately one to two years post- operatively, your body will be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint) and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. You should consult your surgeon and obstetrician as you plan for pregnancy.
10. What is “Ideal” body weight?
Ideal body weight is the weight that is ideal for your height and gender (male or female). The body mass index (BMI) is a used as an indicator of your ideal body weight. A normal body mass index is about 19-25.
11. What are the risks and benefits of surgery
Many of the risks and complications are due to the patient’s obesity-related health problems. This may include heart attack and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lung). These complications may happen no matter which operation you have. To minimize these risks, we get medical clearances (based on your health history) from specialists. We strongly encourage that our patients quit smoking, lose weight and start an exercise program prior to surgery. We also provide our patients with detailed instructions before surgery and when they leave the hospital and we carefully monitor their recovery. Finally, we have specialists of all types who can address any possible complications, including emergency room physicians who understand the complications of weight loss surgery.
12. How much experience do the surgeons have with weight loss surgery?
The SC Obesity Surgery Center has experience with over 3500 bariatric surgeries. We offer surgeries that are tailored to fit the individual needs of the patient. We have four experienced bariatric surgeons in our practice and every bariatric surgery is performed by two surgeons.
13. What bariatric surgical procedures are offered?
We currently offer three primary bariatric surgeries at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center. The three surgeries we perform are:
a. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
b. Sleeve Gastrectomy
c. Adjustable Gastric Banding
Other procedures are available for patients with specific medical conditions.
14. Are there any age restrictions for weight loss surgery?
The South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center requires a patient be at least 18 years old before undergoing bariatric surgery. There is no upper age limit for bariatric surgery.
15. Is your facility a Center of Excellence?
The South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center is a Center of Excellence (COE) through the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. We are the only practice in South Carolina that has been granted the prestigious recognition of Center of Excellence through both of these organizations. In addition, we have been granted Center of Excellence status with multiple individual health insurance companies.
16. How often do I have to come back for follow up?
Bariatric surgery is just the beginning in achieving your health and weight loss goals. Therefore, The South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center is committed to providing the care and resources you will need to be successful for the rest of your life after bariatric surgery. Right after bariatric surgery, we recommend seeing you more often to assist in managing your weight loss and to monitor the positive changes in your health. We want to see you quarterly during the first two years and annually after your initial year of follow up.
17. Are the surgeries done open or Laparoscopically?
The initial approach to all of the primary bariatric procedures performed at the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center is laparoscopic. A laparoscopic operation is where the surgeon makes small incisions and uses cameras and specialized tools to perform the operation. This allows for a shorter recovery time and less pain to the patient. Occasionally, the surgeon will have to change the approach during surgery due to unforeseeable circumstances.
18. How do I know if I qualify for weight loss surgery?
The general rule of thumb for qualifying for bariatric surgery is a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35. However the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the Adjustable Gastric Band for patients with a BMI of 30-34. Your body mass index can be calculated here: http://www.scobesity.com/bmi-calculator/ Some insurance policies also require that you have other health issues (co- morbid conditions) to qualify for bariatric surgery such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems, etc.
Financial
1. Does my insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Your medical insurance plan has defined benefits chosen by your employer. We participate with most major insurance plans including Medicare. We recommend that you call your insurance company’s customer service line and ask if bariatric services are covered. Our experienced financial services team will be happy to assist you with questions and in determining specific benefits for your insurance.
2. How long will it take for me to be scheduled for surgery?
This primarily depends on what your insurance company requires prior to having surgery. Our financial counselor will explain to you what these requirements are at your initial consultation. Our staff will assist you in getting these requirements done as quickly as possible.
3. What are the financing options?
If your policy has an exclusion for bariatric surgery or if we do not participate with your insurance carrier, we will discuss alternate financial options with you. We participate with Advance Care, a health care finance company that offers low monthly payments for bariatric services.
Dietary
1. Can I still eat out at restaurants?
Yes, but it is important to make healthy choices and limit how often you eat out. When dining out, stick to the portions on your meal plan and order foods that are cooked in a healthy way. For example, choose lean meats that are grilled, baked or broiled and healthy sides such as steamed vegetables or salads. Beware of calorie-dense toppings such as: butter, cheese, nuts, etc. Choose restaurants that you know have healthy choices and try to avoid buffets.
2. Will I have to drink protein drinks the rest of my life?
Not necessarily, but it will be required for at least the first 6 weeks after surgery. Since adequate protein is so important for healing and weight loss, it may be necessary to do protein shakes even after the first 6 weeks until you are getting enough protein in your diet. The goal is to get protein from food, and we will counsel you along the way to help you reach this goal.
3. Will I be able to drink carbonated beverages after surgery?
Not for the first year after surgery, as carbonation can cause severe gas pain. Even after the first year, many patients find it helpful to continue to avoid any carbonation. If you do drink carbonated drinks after the first year, it is important to choose sugar-free beverages.
4. Can I drink alcohol?
You should avoid alcohol for the first few months but may eventually be able to add it back to your diet in moderation. We will recommend when you may drink alcohol again on an individual basis, but beer should be avoided for the first year as it is carbonated. Since alcohol will be absorbed by your body more quickly after the surgery, you will also need to limit the amount.
5. Can I still have sugar?
If you have the gastric bypass, you will need to completely avoid sugar as it may cause dumping syndrome. However, with any of the surgeries, we encourage you to avoid foods high in sugar and replace them with a sugar-free product. There are many delicious sugar free products available, and we can help you find those substitutions. Foods high in sugar are also higher in calories and carbohydrates, which will hinder weight loss.
6. What is the dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome is a common side effect after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB) surgery. Dumping is related to the ingestion of refined sugars, some fats, and fried foods. These foods empty rapidly from the gastric pouch into the small intestine which triggers uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms may include: sweating, flushing, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping.
7. How much fluid will I have to drink after surgery?
64 fluid ounces (sugar free fluids) is the general recommendation for fluid intake. Your needs may be slightly more or less. Adequate fluid intake is important for good health, both before and after surgery. Drinking enough fluids is particularly important after surgery to help prevent dehydration, complications, constipation and to help you feel better sooner after surgery.
8. Why is protein so important after surgery?
Eating adequate protein is essential for body function and promotes weight loss success. Eating protein increases satiety from a meal and can lead to decreased snacking in between meals. Protein is necessary for building and preserving body muscle and tissues and minimizing hair loss and fatigue after surgery.
9. What vitamins do I have to take after surgery?
We recommend that all patients take chewable multivitamins after surgery. Some patients may need to take additional iron, B vitamins, calcium, and/or vitamin D. Vitamin levels will be monitored for patients who have surgeries that can affect absorption of vitamins.
10. Will I meet with a dietitian?
Yes. As good nutrition is essential to weight loss success, you will meet with a registered dietitian both before and after surgery.
