Long Term
Weight loss after surgery will slow down and eventually level out at approximately 12 to18 months after surgery. Most people "bottom out" then gain about 5-10 pounds, so don't be worried when this happens. After you've "leveled out," you can maintain your weight if you continue eating the same way you have been for the past 18 months, exercising regularly, and taking your vitamins.
You should NOT increase your portion size or eat more frequently. If you do, you WILL GAIN WEIGHT. Patients need to follow all of the rules to achieve the best results for the long-term.
Avoid 'grazing' on food all day and avoid starches when possible. Eat small portions of healthy foods (protein, vegatables, fruits) slowly. Slow down and decrease portion sizes.
Weight problems are life-long problems. Patients should not feel embarrased or ashamed if they are regaining weight. Patients need to follow-up with us yearly for blood work, weight and diet check-up, and for us to see how you're doing.
We are here to help - we will try to get you 'back on track' if necessary. Keep a food diary as a start. Some patients may be candidates for revisional surgery to 'fix' a problem as well.
It is also important for you to call us with any 'stomach problem' (nausea, pain, vomiting) you may develop no matter how far out from surgery you are. Even though thousands of people have had similar surgery, many physicians and surgeons do not understand all of the aspects of this surgery. So please call us with any problems.
Patients should always try to quit smoking. Those patients that smoke are highly likely to develop ulcers. Ulcer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, bleeding, and can perforate and require emergency surgery. Any patient that smokes needs to take a daily antacid medication, such as prilosec, nexium, protonix, to decrease their risk of ulcers.
Patients that require non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) (such as motrin, ibuprofen, naprosyn, etc) for arthritis or other medical problem are also at risk for ulcers and need to take a daily antacid medication on those days that NSAIDs are taken.
As always, if there are any questions, please call our office:
412-235-5900.
Plastic Surgery
After losing 100 or more pounds, many people have excess skin. This skin can be anywhere, but the most common place is the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. Many people chose to have this taken care of by plastic surgery. We recommend that you wait until at least 1-1.5 years after surgery, or until your weight has reached a plateau. We have a plastic surgeon speak at our support group meetings a number of times throughout the year.
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