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Before weight-loss surgery - what to ask your doctor

Definition

Weight-loss surgery is done to help you lose weight and get healthier. After the surgery, you will not be able to eat as much as before. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your body may not absorb all the calories from the food you eat.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider before you have weight-loss surgery.

Questions

What are the reasons someone should have weight-loss surgery?

• Why is weight-loss surgery not a good choice for everyone who is overweight or obese?

• What is diabetes? High blood pressure? High cholesterol? Sleep apnea? Severe arthritis?

Are there other ways of losing weight that I should try besides surgery?

• What is a nutritionist, or a dietitian? Why should I make an appointment to see one?

• What is a weight-loss program?

What are the different types of weight-loss surgery?

• What are the scars like for each type of surgery?

• Is there a difference in how much pain I will have afterward?

• Is there a difference in how long it will take to recover after surgery?

What is the best surgery to help me lose weight and keep it off?

• How much weight will I lose? How fast will I lose it? Will I continue to lose weight?

• What will eating be like after weight-loss surgery?

What can I do before surgery to lower my risk of complications? For which of my medical problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure) do I need to see my provider before the surgery?

How can I get my home ready before I go to the hospital?

• How much help will I need when I come home?

• Will I be able to get out of bed by myself?

• How do I make sure my home will be safe for me?

• What type of supplies will I need when I get home?

• Do I need to rearrange my home?

How can I prepare myself emotionally for the surgery? What types of feelings can I expect to have? Can I talk to people who have had weight-loss surgery?

What medicines should I take the day of the surgery? Are there any medicines that I should not take the day of the surgery?

What will the surgery and my stay in the hospital be like?

• How long will the surgery last?

• What type of anesthesia will be used? Are there choices to consider?

• Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery? What will be done to relieve the pain?

• How soon will I be able to get up and move around?

What will my wounds be like? How do I take care of them?

How active can I be when I get home? How much can I lift? When will I be able to drive? When will I be able to return to work?

When will my first follow-up appointment be after surgery? How often will I need to see the doctor during the first year after my surgery? Will I need to see specialists other than my surgeon?

References

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery website. FAQs of bariatric surgery. asmbs.org/patients/faqs-of-bariatric-surgery?/patients/bariatric-surgery-faqs. Updated September 2020. Accessed April 20, 2023.

Mechanick JI, Apovian C, Brethauer S, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of patients undergoing bariatric procedures - 2019 update: cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, the Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists - executive summary. Endocr Pract. 2019;25(12):1346-1359. PMID: 31682518 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31682518/.

Richards WO, Khaitan L, Torquati A. Morbid obesity. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 48.

Review Date: 4/12/2023

Reviewed By: John E. Meilahn, MD, Bariatric Surgeon, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.