Q. Is surgical weight loss right for everyone?
A. The short answer is no. Weight loss surgery is not for everyone. However, together we can determine which procedure is right for you. This surgical process is a life-altering procedure, we want to ensure you have to the tools to make the lifestyle changes needed to be successful.

Q. Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?
A. Our program follows the National Institutes of Health guidelines, which includes the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine a patient's eligibility for surgery. BMI measures weight in relation to height. Other prerequisites may be:

1. A Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 (approximately 100 lbs. over ideal body weight) or a BMI greater than 35 with other health conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, or heart problems


2. No uncorrected metabolic disease that may cause obesity


3. No medical condition(s) that would make surgery too hazardous


4. No unstable or untreated psychological illnesses and/or unrealistic expectations of surgery and weight loss

Q. What is my first step?
A. We recommend attending one of our monthly surgical weight loss seminars or contacting the surgical weight loss program, at (970) 242-9123 or SurgicalWeightLoss@gjhosp.org. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have and is prepared to ask you the preliminary questions needed to help determine whether surgical weight loss is right for you.

Q. Should I attend your surgical weight loss seminar?
A. For people seeking information about surgical weight loss, our free one-hour seminar is a great way to learn from the experts: the surgeons, their assistants and other members of our team. You’ll learn the history of surgical weight loss options, exactly how the procedures work, the medical benefits and risks, and why surgery is a major life-changing decision; a decision we feel affects and should be understood by the important people in your life. Please ask your spouse and/or close friends to join you at the seminar.

Q. What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
A. All surgery comes with risks, and the risks are different for each patient. At the Community Hospital SWLC, our team will take the time to explain to you in detail, your individual risk level. Additional information will be provided by the surgeon.

Q. Will my insurance cover the procedure?
A. Insurance coverage depends on your insurance plan. For example, some insurance companies require a patient to be in a medically monitored weight loss program for six months, or longer, prior to surgery. We are happy to help you explore your insurance coverage options.

Q. What if my insurance doesn’t cover the procedure?
A. We offer a very competitive discounted self-pay price and financing options are available.

Q. How long will I have to stay in the hospital after surgery?
A. The Lap Banding procedure is an outpatient surgery that does not require an overnight stay at the hospital. Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery requires and over-night stay.

Q. How long will I be off work after surgery?
A. After weight loss surgery, you can usually return to work in one week.

Q. What resources are available to me for support after surgery?
A. The Community Hospital SWLC offers a full complement of post-surgical nutrition and behavioral health counseling and support group sessions to help you meet your weight loss goals.

Q. What do I need to do to be successful after surgery?
A. There are some basic rules that are simple and easy to follow. Immediately before and after surgery, your physician and dietitian will provide you with special dietary guidelines. You will need to follow these guidelines closely. Below are 10 rules for eating, drinking and exercise that will help you get the best results:

1. Eat several small meals a day.


2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.


3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.


4. Do not drink while you are eating.


5. Eat only good quality foods.
   
6. Talk to the dietitian about eating fibrous foods.
   
7. Drink 40-65 oz. of water each day.
   
8. Drink only low-calorie liquids.
   
9. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
   
10. Eat 60-80 grams of protein a day.
    

Q. Should I exercise after weight loss surgery?
A. Regular exercise and activity is another important tool for achieving your weight loss goals. Our weight loss team will help you with the types of exercise you should be doing and how soon after surgery you should start doing them. Gold’s Gym provides a three-month membership as part of our package.

Q. Can weight loss surgery prolong my life?
A. There is good scientific evidence that if you have Type 2 diabetes (or other serious weight-related health conditions), are at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight, and are able to comply with lifestyle changes (daily exercise and low-fat diet) then weight loss surgery may significantly improve the quality of and prolong your life.

Q. Will I continue seeing my primary care physician after surgery?
A. Yes. Because so many things change for the surgical weight loss patient, it is essential that you be closely monitored by your primary care physician. Our team will keep your primary care physician informed of your post-surgical progress.

Q. Will I be allowed to drink alcohol after surgery?
A. You should speak to your physician and dietitian about alcohol consumption. Typically weight loss surgery patients may drink alcoholic beverages, however they are high in calories so this should be considered when planning your daily calorie intake.

Q. What if I have excess skin?
A. As you start losing weight, you may notice excess skin. The amount of excess skin you experience is due to your degree of weight loss, age and smoking habits. Many patients find that the skin’s natural elasticity accommodates even intense weight reduction. Some patients, however, choose to have plastic surgery to have excess skin removed.

Q. What can I do to speed up the process of getting ready for surgery?
A. Talk to your primary care physician and ensure that your routine health maintenance testing is current. For example, women may have a pap smear, and if over 40 years of age, a breast exam. For men, this may include a prostate specific antigen test (PSA).

1. Make a list of all the diets you have tried (a diet history) and bring it to your doctor


2. Bring any pertinent medical data to your appointment with the surgeon - this would include reports of special tests (echocardiogram, sleep study, etc.) or a hospital discharge summary if you have been in the hospital


3. Bring a list of your medications with dose and schedule


4. Stop smoking. Surgical patients who use tobacco products are at a higher surgical risk