FAQs About Weight Loss Surgery

Q. Why consider weight reduction surgery if there are risks involved?
A: Patients who are severely obese have a greater risk of death from many other causes. Many patients begin to develop severe physical problems from obesity that they are unable to manage as they reach the end of their 30s. Surgery can provide patients with a long-term health benefit and quality of life improvement that justifies surgery.

Q: How long is the surgery and hospital stay?
A: The length of time varies. The surgical procedure used, along with your physical condition, will determine how long the procedure will last. The average procedure length is 50 to 180 minutes. While all individuals are different, and have different healing speeds and various medical conditions, the average hospital stay for laparoscopic procedures is one to three days. Lap Band procedures can be performed as an outpatient surgery.

Q: Will my insurance pay for this procedure?
A: While many insurance companies do pay for this procedure, others consider weight loss surgery to be elective surgery, meaning the patient must pay. Prior to making an appointment at Carondelet, contact your insurance provider to determine whether or not this treatment program, including an initial physician consultation, is covered by your health plan.

Q: When will I be able to go back to work?
A: Many people are able to return to work within four weeks after surgery. Lap Band patients may be able to return to work within a week following surgery Some may have an additional length of time off due to other health concerns, or if their work requires heavy lifting. However, following surgery we encourage patients to take time to focus on caring for themselves, learning how to eat properly, stay hydrated, and begin an exercise routine.

Q: How long will I be required to eat liquids or blended foods?
A: You will need to stay on blended foods for several weeks. However, the food does not necessarily need to be bland tasting. You will be given information from our dietitian, who will attempt to tailor your diet to soft foods that you like, but that provide you with the protein you require. You will be able to gradually go back to eating many of the healthful foods you once did. However, you will be unable to eat some foods for an extended period of time that your system will not tolerate, such as red meat, some breads and starchy foods.

Q: Will I have to come back in for surgery again after I lose the weight to have the surgery reversed?
A: No, you will not normally need another surgery. Your body will adjust to the changed lifestyle and eating habits. The surgery is intended to be permanent.

If you have a Lap-Band® procedure, you will have to periodically go to the surgeon’s office to have the tension on the adjustable silicone band increased or decreased with the injection (or withdrawal) of a saline solution in the band.


Q: Will I ever be able to have children?
A: Yes, the surgery will lead to weight loss that will frequently help patients in becoming pregnant. In fact, many patients who have previously been told that they cannot have children are able to successfully deliver a healthy child after surgery. You need to wait at least one year after your surgery before trying to become pregnant. If you do become pregnant, you need to be aware that you will have special dietary needs during your pregnancy, which you will need to discuss with your obstetrician and dietitian.

Q: Will I need cosmetic surgery?
A: Most patients do not choose to have cosmetic surgery. Most insurance companies do not pay for cosmetic surgery. Insurance may pay for some if medically required. Patients are encouraged to exercise and maintain a healthy diet to minimize the need for cosmetic surgery.