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Department of Surgery
Bariatric Surgery


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Does insurance cover the cost of my operation?

Your coverage for this type of procedure depends on your insurance company. We will check with your insurance company to find out if they cover your operation. If not, then you will need to pay your surgeon’s fee before your procedure.

Your tests and other evaluations may be covered. Be sure to check before you undergo any tests or you will be responsible for payment. If authorization is needed from your insurance company, you will need to make sure you contact them to get approval or you may be responsible for payment.

Be sure to bring your insurance card with you to each appointment.

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Will I need any tests or additional consultations before my operation?

In addition to your initial meeting with a surgeon, you will also need full medical testing and possibly a consultation with your anesthesiologist. You will also need a physical one to two weeks before your surgery. You can read more about our pre-surgical requirements here. (link to new page “Additional information.”)

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How long will I be in the hospital?

Your procedure will be scheduled in the morning, and you should not eat heavy meals during the entire day before your operation.

During your operation you will be under anesthesia. Your procedure will last from two to four hours. You can read more about your procedure and hospital stay here: Your Hospital Stay (14k pdf).

After your surgery, you will stay in the recovery room until you are awake. The night after your surgery will be helped to sit up on the side of the bed. The next day you will sit in a chair and walk.

In all, you’ll stay in the hospital two to four days.

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How long will it take to recover?

Since weight-loss surgery is a major operation, you should plan to be out of work for four to six weeks. If your procedure was done laparoscopically, your recovery time may be shorter and you may return to work two to three weeks after surgery. Regardless of your procedure, you should avoid lifting any item weighing more than 10 pounds for at least one month after your surgery.

You can read more information about your recovery here: After Surgery (20k pdf).

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Are there any risks?

Weight-loss surgery is a major, irreversible operation. Like any other medical procedure, there are some risks. You can read about them here: What are the risks of weight-loss surgery (16k pdf).

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How much weight will I lose?

While many patients lose 100 – 150 pounds or more, your weight loss depends on staying with a healthy eating plan. If you return to eating large amounts of unhealthy, high-fat and high-sugar foods, friend foods and candy, you will not maintain your weight loss.

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How will I feel?

It’s exciting to think about having a new way of life without all the extra weight. You will have more energy, and can enjoy shopping for new clothes and even a new style.

Before then, you will experience many changes and some may feel uncomfortable. Because you will lose weight quickly over the next three to six months, your body will face a dramatic adjustment.

You may have body aches and feel tired. You may also experience mood changes. Your hair may thin. These concerns should pass once your body gets used to eating less, or when your weight stabilizes.

That’s why it’s very important to eat well and always take the vitamin supplements your doctor recommends.

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How will my diet change after surgery?

Because your stomach is much smaller, you will be eating smaller amounts of food. With a bypass procedure, your intestinal tract will also be shorter.

These changes require you to eat differently. In general, you will eat smaller amounts of food, chewing them carefully and slowly.

Proteins are a good choice, especially as you heal from your operation. Lean beef, chicken, fish and beans should be a big part of your diet.

You’ll need to take crushed or liquid vitamins to make sure you have the nutrition you need. That’s because part of your intestine is no longer processing your food, and you may miss out on some needed vitamins and minerals.

Because the opening between your stomach and intestines is also smaller, it’s important to avoid swallowing large pieces of food. Sticky or stringy foods may also cause discomfort, as will nuts and other hard foods.

Drink water between meals.

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What is gastric dumping?

Gastric dumping occurs after eating high-fat, high-sugar foods such as candy, sugared beverages, creamed foods and ice cream. These foods enter the small intestine too fast and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating.

It can be avoided by eating slowly and avoiding problem foods.

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What is the Walk from Obesity?

This community walk takes place in October to raise money for obesity research, education and treatments.

The 2011 Walk from Obesity is set for 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 . Read more under “What is the Walk from Obesity.” 

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Location

Viquest Wellness Ctr. Walking Trail
2610 Statonsburg Rd
Greenville, NC 27834

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