FAQ

Preoperative Bariatric FAQ

How do I know which bariatric surgery is right for me?

When you schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Yu, Dr. Scarborough, or Dr. Mehta they will thoroughly evaluate your health, including your medical history, lifestyle and health goals in order to determine which procedure is the best fit for you. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all weight loss and our specialists take the time to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Learn more about candidacy for weight loss surgery.

Are there risks associated with bariatric surgery?

Any medical procedure carries some risk, but here at TLC we prioritize patient safety. Our surgeons are highly experienced and utilize state-of-the-art equipment and minimally invasive techniques to minimize risk. The benefits and risks will vary depending on the procedure and a patient’s medical history. Our team ensures that each patient is fully informed and understands any potential risk. Typically, the health risks of obesity-related chronic conditions hold far greater risks than surgery.

Access our free educational seminar designed to answer questions you may have about your bariatric surgery.

What kind of tests or waiting periods are required before surgery?

The time period between being medically cleared for surgery and scheduling surgery can vary depending on your health insurance plan. Self-pay patients are generally able to take advantage of a more streamlined scheduling process while some insurance plans will require several months of medically supervised diet prior to surgery approval.

Bariatric Diet and Nutrition FAQ

What kind of pre-op diet is required before weight loss surgery?

Typically, patients will be required to be on a liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery. See the recommendations for the pre-op liquid diet for details.

Will I need to take vitamins and supplements after weight loss surgery?

Yes, bariatric patients are usually advised to take supplements to ensure proper nutrition. Your individual vitamin plan will vary depending on your medical history and which procedure you had. View a sample vitamin schedule for gastric sleeve surgery patients.

What does a typical meal plan look like for bariatric patients?

We encourage you to view our full selection of pre and post operative meal plans which vary by surgery type. We highly recommend that all patients meet with our registered dietitian to get personalized nutrition advice. You can also check out our library of healthy recipes and follow us on Instagram for nutrition tips.

After Weight Loss Surgery FAQ

How long is the recovery period after surgery?

Our surgeons are trained in the laparoscopic technique which can result in shorter recovery times than traditional “open” surgery. Recovery time will vary based on patient health and the type of surgery, but most gastric sleeve patients are able to resume regular activities about one week after surgery.

Will I be able to stop taking my blood pressure or diabetes medication after surgery?

This will vary among individual patients and will be determined by your doctor, but many patients are able to reduce or completely cease medications after weight loss surgery! It is important to attend all post-op appointments and keep our primary care physician updated on your weight loss progress. Studies show that up to 70% of gastric sleeve patients experience remission from Type 2 Diabetes after surgery.¹

Will I lose hair after bariatric surgery?

Hair loss is a possible side effect of bariatric surgery, but keep in mind that this type of hair loss is temporary. Read our tips to prevent and manage post-surgical hair loss.

What happens if I regain the weight?

Here at TLC we empower our patients to succeed. We believe in you and we will give you the support you need to maintain weight loss. If patients do regain weight, they can often get back on track by attending scheduling appointments with our registered dietitian or consulting with their surgeon. We also offer weight loss surgery revision.