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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it
take to lose excess weight after weight-loss surgery?
Excess weight loss begins right after surgery and continues for
18-24 months after surgery.
How long will I be in hospital?
This varies by procedure. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
is done as a day case with a possible overnight stay , one to two
days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, and
three to five days for an open gastric bypass.
I am a very anxious person and feel too scared to go through
with it. What if I change my mind?
To admit to having a weight problem is a big step. Likewise, to
take the decision to have surgery is a big commitment but please
remember that “you will always have what you’ve always
had, if you always do what you’ve always done.” Having
reached this stage, I suspect that you will regret not going ahead
with it. Obviously, for it to work long term you HAVE to be ready
to commit 100% but nobody can force you; you must choose how you
live your life.
Is there a support group where people meet up to discuss
their experiences?
Yes, we hold monthly meetings at Dubai Mall Medical Centre to enable
people to share their thoughts and express any concerns. It is of
great benefit to gather together and realize that they are many
people who are going through the same thing and that they are not
alone.
Will there be a lot of pain when I wake up following surgery?
Whilst in the operating theatre and under anaesthetic, you will
be given analgesia to prevent you from being in pain on waking up.
We are keen to have you mobilizing as soon as possible. To facilitate
this, you will be prescribed strong, effective painkillers and can
have them routinely on a regular basis. If you still feel your pain
is inadequately controlled, we are quick to ensure that you are
prescribed extra analgesia to make you more comfortable. It is normal
to feel an element of discomfort but this is minimized by the nurse’s
regular pain control assessment. Please inform the nurses if you
are in pain as they can provide pain relief on request within the
limits of the safe dosage of the individual drugs prescribed. Please
do not suffer in silence.
I am often sick after General Anaesthetics, can this be prevented?
Yes, during assessment, your Anaethetist will take into account
all aspects of your well-being and can prescribe medication to prevent
the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
Will I be continuously hungry following surgery if I cannot
eat much?
Many patients find that they do not want to eat very much for the
first few weeks following surgery. As their appetite returns, it
is not a ravenous appetite but it is one that is soon satisfied
by following the dietary advice given.
How soon will I be able to walk?
Your surgeon will usually require you to get up and move about on
the evening of the surgery. You will be asked to take just a few
steps by the bedside and progress from there, the next day onwards.
How soon can I drive?
It is imperative that for your own safety and that of others, you
should not drive until you have stopped taking narcotic medications
and can move quickly and alertly to stop your car, especially in
an emergency. Please also check with your insurance company in this
regard.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
We strongly recommend that you wait at least one year post operatively
before planning a pregnancy. This is dependant upon individuals
and should be discussed with the surgeon.
Will I be asked to stop smoking?
Patients are asked to stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior
to surgery.
How long will I be off of solid foods after surgery?
Most surgeons recommend a period of two weeks or more without solid
foods after surgery. A liquid diet, followed by semi-solid foods
or pureed foods, may be recommended for a period of time until adequate
healing has occurred. Your surgeon will provide you with specific
dietary guidelines for the best post-surgical outcome.
Will I be allowed to drink alcohol?
For the first year, it is suggested that you do not consume alcohol.
Even the smallest amount will affect you very quickly. Please discuss
with your surgeon.
What vitamins will I need to take after surgery?
A daily multivitamin is recommended for the rest of your life. Depending
on the type of surgery you have, B12, calcium with vitamin D, iron,
and other trace elements may also be needed.
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