Educational Seminar
You and your family will be invited to attend a free educational seminar where lal of the available surgical options are explained in detail, along with the specifics of the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer. Pre-registration is required to attend the seminar. Call 610-619-8450 for more information.
Pre-operative Examination
Before your surgery, you must undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation. This process includes a comprehensive evaluation by Leon Katz, M.D., director of the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer, who will perform the surgery. Dr. Katz will describe the types of surgery available at Crozer, risks, benefits and alternatives and lifelong changes required of the patient. You must have a general medical examination by your primary physician, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a Crozer mental health specialist, and a counseling session with a Crozer nutritionist.
Before surgery, you also will be evaluated by a gastroenterologist, pulmonologist (respiratory system specialist) and cardiologist. Laboratory blood studies and x-rays will also be ordered prior to surgery. Some patients may need additional consultations as indicated by Dr. Katz.
Surgery and Post-operative
If you are a candidate for surgery and decide to go ahead with it, and all medical clearances are obtained, pre-certification will be requested. Once received, surgery will be scheduled. You can expect to be admitted on the day of surgery and remain in the hospital for one to five days depending on the type of surgery. You will be encouraged to resume walking soon after surgery. Your diet will progress from liquid to solid foods over six weeks.
Most patients return to work between four and six weeks after gastric bypass surgery (two to four weeks if the surgery is laparoscopic) or one to two weeks after a LAP BAND, but they may not lift anything heavy for six to eight weeks. Patients will need to visit their surgeon for regular check-ups for up to two years following surgery, and then yearly thereafter with their surgeon or primary care physician.