Frequently asked weight loss surgery questions

Although bariatric surgery is the most effective way to lose weight for persons with significant obesity, you will not have lasting results if you are not committed to diet and exercise changes for the long term. The decision to have surgery is best made with the help of a physician, who will take into account your medical history and long-term commitment.

Our surgeons typically perform surgery on individuals who are 18 to 70 years of age. However, in some cases, individuals outside this age range may be considered.

The first step in our program is to attend a free bariatric surgery seminar. Register for a seminar today. Feel free to contact any of the programs listed on this website.

The qualification process includes a series of tests with your bariatric surgeon. You will also meet with a dietitian, psychologist and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

• Begin learning the benefits and risks of surgery and by closely following your doctor's instructions.
• Understand the surgical process and what to expect after surgery.
• Keep in mind that you'll never be able to eat the way you did before and that you'll have to watch what and how you eat for the rest of your life.
• Talk to your Primary Care Provider.
• Write down your reasons for bariatric surgery and outline your plans to maintain weight loss after surgery.
• Start a journal. Record how you feel now, the challenges you face and the things you hope to be able to do after bariatric surgery.
• Ask your family and friends for their support. Talk to them about why you want to have bariatric surgery. It helps to have people supporting you, wanting to help.
• Work with my providers to optimize my other health conditions.

The time frame is anywhere from 2 to 6 months; however, it is dependent on your specific condition and insurance requirements.

Insurance coverage depends on your individual healthcare policy. Some insurers will cover the surgery if a patient has certain medical conditions, while others may not. Please check with your insurance company to determine the terms of coverage. Piedmont also offers self-pay options for those who would like to pay out of pocket.

Weight loss depends on individual factors such as type of metabolic bariatric procedure, exercise and eating habits; no two patients’ weight loss will be the same.

Your surgeon will require you to stop using tobacco products at least six weeks prior to bariatric surgery. To prevent poor wound healing, stomach ulcers, and breathing issues after surgery, we recommend you to continue to avoid tobacco products long-term.

Yes, but women should try to avoid becoming pregnant for at least 18 months following surgery.

Generally, the hospital stay is one day or less, but varies according to surgery and the patient’s individual needs.

You can expect to return to work at least two weeks after surgery. If you have a more physically active job, you may need to stay out of work for closer to four weeks, or inquire if your job offers light duty.

Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity depends on your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Many patients return to normal levels of activity within three to six weeks of surgery.

Exercise is an important part of success after surgery. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition, but the long-term goal is to get 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderately intense physical activity a week (Source: Department of Health and Human Services Activity Guide for Adults).

Yes! A commitment you make when having weight-loss surgery is that you will take vitamins for the rest of your life. You will be eating a significantly less amount of food and may absorb some foods differently. Your vitamin regimen will vary depending on your surgical choice and medical history. Serious health conditions can occur if you do not take your vitamins on a routine basis.

Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. First, your doctor may suggest that medication be crushed or liquid. As a general rule, speak to the prescribing provider before making medication changes.

For the first few months after weight-loss surgery, you are on a special eating plan to allow for adequate healing; however, the ideal long-term plan is to follow a healthier lifestyle rather than a “diet”. You will start with clear liquids, advancing per your program recommendations over a 4-8 week period of time. When you meet with our registered dietitian for your pre-surgical nutrition appointments, you will receive a detailed packet of the meal plan for after surgery.

If you are not committed to long-term healthy lifestyle habits, you may experience weight regain. Metabolic surgery is a tool to lose weight; your commitment to healthy eating and exercise play a large role in your long-term success.

Deciding to have plastic surgery after weight loss is an individualized decision. Some patients decide to have plastic surgery due to excessive sagging skin or rashes that develop in skin folds. We recommend you not consider plastic surgery until at least 18 months after bariatric surgery. Insurance providers often do not cover many plastic surgery procedures.

Most patients will have 4-5 appointments in the first 6 months after surgery, progressing to just 1-2 appointments annually.

Patients enrolled in a Piedmont program will be given options for support group meetings. Ongoing support before and after surgery helps achieve the greatest success for their patients. Patients help keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience.

Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions.

• Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.
• Extend life span an average of 4.9 years
• 61.2 percent reduction of excess weight. (Source: Clinical Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery - updated evidence. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, Volume 16, Issue 1, Jan-Feb 2022, pages 1-9)