- How do I know which surgery is right for me?
- Will my insurance cover the surgery?
- Can I swallow pills after surgery?
- Will I need to take vitamins after surgery?
- Do I need to take any other special medications after surgery?
- Are there medications that I should avoid after surgery?
- Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
- What do I do about sagging skin?
How do I know which surgery is right for me?
You can register to attend one of our information meetings. You will get a chance to meet the surgical team, learn about the different types of surgery, including the benefits and risks of all surgeries. You need to pre-register to attend.
Once you have made the decision to go forward with bariatric surgery, choosing which procedure is best for you can be challenging. Ultimately we like you to make this personal decision. You are the expert on you and know what will work best for your lifestyle.
Tips:
- Both procedures improve type 2 diabetes.
- For patients with heartburn, gastric bypass is the only procedure that will cure or significantly improve severe heartburn. Sleeve gastrectomy may make it worse.
Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Many insurance companies cover surgery; however, there are specific coverage criteria that you will want to be aware of as you begin your preparation. Call your insurance company to verify your benefits and obtain a copy of the criteria you need to meet for your insurance to cover the surgery.
Can I swallow pills after surgery?
You will need to crush large pills or take medications in a liquid form for two weeks. Smaller pills do not need to be crushed. After two weeks, you can swallow your pills as usual.
Will I need to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, you will require lifelong vitamin supplementation following bariatric surgery. This is very important as you are no longer able to absorb nutrients as you would before having surgery.
Do I need to take any other special medications after surgery?
If you still have your gallbladder, you will need to take Ursodiol twice a day for 6 months after surgery. You’ll start this two weeks after surgery. You will need to take an acid suppressant such as Omeprazole daily for 3 months after having surgery.
Are there medications that I should avoid after surgery?
Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Excedrin, aspirin, or aspirin-containing products. They increase your risk of developing an ulcer.
Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Yes. We do recommend that you wait 12 to 18 months after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.