• Question Please describe the Banded Gastric Bypass procedure.
• This is a modified version of what commonly is referred to as the gastric bypass procedure, which uses a transected vertical gastric pouch with a silastic ring band fitted around the pouch to create a stomach that is reinforced from the outside. The patient’s small bowel is used to patch the cut edge of the pouch in order to minimize or eliminate leaks following the procedure. The bypassed stomach is then decompressed using a temporary gastrostomy tube.
• QuestionDifferentiate the Fobi-Pouch and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures?
• Put simply, the Fobi-Pouch is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a band added. The Fobi-Pouch procedure is also known as the Vertically Transected, Silastic Ring Banded, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with the Gastrostomy and the Gastrostomy Site Marker, or TSRBVGB.
• QuestionHow successful is bariatric surgery in treating obesity?
• Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be 90% effective. Most of those who undergo obesity surgery experience a loss of more than half of their unwanted weight—which they are able to maintain for more than five years.
• QuestionHow fast can I expect to lose weight?
• Patients generally lose most of the weight during the first six months following their operation. However, some continue to lose weight for up to 18 months. Weight loss is usually enhanced by a regular exercise regimen and an overall increase in daily activity.
• QuestionHow long will it take me to recover after the procedure?
• This depends largely on which approach is used. Following Gastric Bypass surgery, most patients recover completely within six weeks. With an Adjustable Band, which is laparoscopic surgery, usually one week of recovery time is required. During this period you should limit your activity.
• QuestionAfter I am discharged, how often should I eat?
• Patients may eat up to five times daily during the weeks following surgery, however only three actual meals are recommended. After surgery most patients feel full after small amounts of food. Your doctor will recommend that you drink large amounts of liquid for about six months.
• QuestionHow much weight will I lose—and how quickly?
• This will depend largely upon your weight before surgery, which foods you eat, your activity level after undergoing the procedure and your rate of metabolism. During the two years following surgery patients often lose one-third of their pre-surgery weight. Nine out of 10 patients lose more than half of the weight they wish to lose and do not regain it within five years.
• QuestionWill there be complications following Bariatric surgery?
• With Gastric Bypass surgery there are possible complications and side-effects. These can be short-term or long-term. Consult your surgeon for specific details. Nutrient deficiencies often are either preventable or correctable, and you should contact your doctor for assistance with any problems you may experience.
  
  With the Adjustable Banding System there are fewer complications. Patients may experience minor stomach discomfort due to the surgery. Generally all that will be required is a daily multivitamin to insure proper nutrients.
• QuestionAm I likely to regain weight?
• Bariatric surgery is designed to help you lose excess weight in a reasonable length of time. The best way to maintain your weight loss is to use your surgery as a tool, follow your doctor’s instructions, and get the support you need to achieve success.
• QuestionWhat is required before surgery? How long does it take before undergoing surgery?
• All patients must undergo an initial assesment and orientation, which will be followed by a consultation with a surgeon and appropriate clinicians. A “prior authorization request” will be sent to your insurance company requesting approval for the procedure. Once approval is granted, your surgery will be scheduled—often up to a month later. Please feel free to check on the status of your pending procedure three weeks after submitting your insurance request.
• QuestionWill the procedure be a lengthy one?
• Not necessarily. Gastric Bypass surgery usually requires between two and three hours to complete. Adjustable Banding usually requires less than an hour to perform as it is done on an outpatient basis.
• QuestionIs Bariatric surgery costly?
• With the increase in obesity, many insurance companies are now covering bariatric surgery. Cash prices, payable in advance, can be negotiated.
• QuestionIs Bariatric surgery risky?
• As with any surgery, there are some risks. All precautions will be taken to minimize your risk and start you on the way to a new life.
• Question Can Gastric Bypass surgery be reversed if I wish later on?
• Gastric Bypass surgery can be reversed, however some of the changes cannot be completely undone. The stomach and bowel can be reconnected again as they were prior to undergoing surgery. All weight—and perhaps even additional weight—may be regained after the reversal. Your doctor can advise you of any risks or potential complications.
• Question Can Adjustable Banding proceedure be reversed if I wish later on?
• The design of the Adjustable Banding System lends itself to reversal.
  Again, it would require additional surgery and the likelihood is that you would regain weight.
• Question Does bariatric surgery always result in weight loss?
• Yes. All of our patients have reported at least some weight loss, although not everyone has reached their target weight. Much depends upon your commitment to following your doctor’s instructions both before and after the procedure.
• QuestionWho will perform my bariatric surgery?
• Patients may request a specific surgeon, however all of our highly skilled bariatric surgeons are qualified and available.
• QuestionOnce I’ve reached my target weight, how can I avoid gaining the pounds back again?
• You can maintain your ideal weight by exercising regularly, eating the right amount of proper foods, avoiding snacks that are high in sugar and fat, and taking your vitamins. Vitamins should be taken indefinitely to ensure that you receive the recommended nutrients each and every day.
• Question When was the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Mary Medical Center established, and how experienced is Dr. Fobi?
• The Center was established in 2005, however Dr. Fobi began perforoming obesity surgery long before that—in 1977. He is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Southern California.

The Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Mary Medical Center

432 East 10th Street • Long Beach, CA 90813

562-491-7935 • 888-478-6279

Site designed by DesignSolution360° • ©2009 St. Mary Medical Center