FAQs
Pre-surgery
Questions |
Answers |
I am tired of losing weight and gaining it back. I am |
Bariatric surgery is a great tool to help you reach your goal. However, you still need to make significant lifestyle changes in order to be successful in your efforts to lose weight and keep it off. Our team will help you work toward those sustainable changes prior to the surgery and will follow you up to 2 years after surgery to address any nutritional deficiencies and to support you through your journey. |
Are there any risks associated with Bariatric surgery? |
All medical procedures have risks, which may very from one patient to another. Your Bariatric surgeon will be explaining all potential risks in your consultation. |
I just attended orientation. |
You will receive appointment for your initial |
I came to the orientation with several other patients and |
Each individual’s journey is different and patients |
My referral was sent to the Bariatric clinic more than a |
Please note that our staff are quite busy so calling the clinic will disrupt their work. The best way to get the answer is to contact the physician who sent the referral and then wait for our phone call. Please note that the bariatric surgeons office stamp the referral when received and send it back to where it came from as receipt it was received. |
My doctor has referred me to the Bariatric clinic. How |
You may start by watching videos in our website and do research about those topics online. |
Someone told me that I can eat what ever I want after the |
No. You still need to keep following a healthy lifestyle and continue journaling in order to lose weight and finally maintain the weight loss once you have reached your goal weight. |
Why is it important to have a family doctor? |
Your family doctor can follow up with your blood test results, which becomes necessary after you have been discharged from our program (5 years post surgery) and also adjust your medications while you are losing weight. |
Why should I stop taking vitamin or multivitamin and |
Since they might have adverse effects on the surgery outcome such as blood thinning properties. |
What should I take with me to the hospital? |
A complete list of items will be provided by the |
Are there any resources, beside manual, to help me learn about |
Yes you may refer to the resources which were sent to you after orientation including books and online sources. We also have produced many videos you may watch in this website. |
Why is it important to follow a pre-op diet 2-3 weeks |
The purpose of pre-op diet is to shrink your liver in preparation for the surgery. If the liver has not shrunk, the surgery risks are increased and if |
What should I do if I can’t come to my appointment? |
We require a minimum of 24 hrs notice if you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, unless an emergency occurs. You will be discharged from the program if you have more than 2 no-shows or cancelled appointments, which were not due to an emergency. |
What do I bring to hospital? |
Care card, one piece of picture ID, toiletries, and |
What are the hospital’s visiting hours? |
10 am to 8 pm |
Is there somewhere for my family member to stay while I am |
Yes, there are a few different waiting areas located by Family Resource Centre and near Starbucks.
|
What is the Pre-Admission Clinic appointment all about? |
This is when you meet with a nurse and your Anesthetist and learn about what to expect during your hospital stay and recovery. You will also be sent for a blood test, ECG, and chest X-Ray. |
Post surgery
How long will I be staying in the hospital after the |
Usual stay is 1-2 days. But your surgeon will decide how long you need to stay in the hospital. |
Which doctor will be reviewing my medications after surgery? |
Please see your family doctor, or your endocrinologist, |
Whom should I contact if I have a problem or question after the surgery? |
First refer to the resources provided for you. A nurse will also approach you in the hospital and will provide you with a phone number to reach her if you have any questions or concerns. |
Can I swallow my medications after surgery or should I crush them? |
Yes you may swallow you medications without need to crush them. However, your supplements must be in chewable or liquid form. |
How soon after the surgery can I drive? |
Wait at least 2 weeks before starting to drive again. |
Can I wear my seatbelt in the car? |
Yes you may. |
Can I take medications such as Advil or Aleve after the surgery? |
Your should not be taking those medications which are considered NSAIDS. Check with your doctor if those are the only medications that relieve your pain. |
Can I fly after the surgery? |
You can fly short distances as soon as you feel strong |
How soon after the surgery I can go back to work? |
If your work is not labour intensive, you may go back to work after 2 weeks. However, you may find it difficult to work for full day since you get tired easily and are not able to have adequate amount of fluids and foods. Therefore, we recommend being off work for 4 weeks. If your work involves a lot physical activity, it is better to go back to work after 6 weeks. |
How soon after surgery I can start exercising? |
You will be encouraged to take short walks right in the |
How soon after surgery I can start swimming? |
Please get permission from your surgeon or your GP before starting swimming so that he/she can determine whether your wound has properly healed and if it safe to do so. |
What tests should I do right after the orientation to get the process started? |
The tests include blood test, abdominal ultrasound, bone density scan, and sleep studies. |
How much weight will I lose after Bariatric surgery; is the weight loss the same in both RYGB and VGS? |
For VSG, the expected weight loss is 50-60% of excess body weight; for RYGB, the expected weight loss is 60-70%. Some patients may even lose more weight and reach their ideal body weight in 18 months. |
Why should I avoid caffeinated beverages before and after the surgery? |
Caffeinated beverages are diuretic and are not recommended until you can consume adequate amount of fluids. Also, caffeine may aggravate heart burn (acid reflux) and you are given medication to prevent that. |
Why should I avoid carbonated beverages after the surgery? |
You will feel extreme pain if you drink carbonated |
I love drinking wine/beer when socializing in summer. Will |
We do not recommend consuming alcoholic beverages after the surgery at least for a year. If you would like to re-start its consumption note that smaller amount of alcohol may intoxicate you. Remember that you don’t want to drink your calories. |
I had my surgery a few days ago and feel constipated; what |
Please make sure you are consuming adequate amount of fluids and gradually increase your fibre intake. Yes you may take over the counter stool softeners. If the problem is not resolved you may contact your dietitian/RN and/or your GP. |
I would like to get pregnant after my Bariatric surgery. |
Weight loss should be stable before attempting gestation. |
I am able to eat variety of foods now. Why should I still take supplements? |
Bariatric surgery renders all patients malabsorptive, |
Why should I keep doing blood work for my appointments? I eat well and take my supplements regularly. |
Since the bariatric procedure may put you at risk of |
Why should I continue journaling after the surgery? |
Journaling makes you accountable and you can find patterns if you are not tolerating certain foods. Also, you dietitian can determine whether you are consuming adequate amount of nutrients by looking at your |
I am feeling overwhelmed after the surgery since I used to eat food for comfort but I can’t do that now. What should I do? |
Please call our clinic to schedule appointments to |
What should I do with my excess skin now? |
You may talk to your surgeon to refer you to our plastic |
When should I seek immediate medical attention after the |
Please call 911 if you symptoms such as difficulty |
Why there is so much emphasis on consuming adequate amount |
Adequate amount of protein is required for maintenance as well as helping your wounds to heal. You may ask your dietitian to inform you about the amount of protein you should have after the surgery. |
How much fluids should I consumer after surgery? |
Your aim is to have 8-10 cups of fluids including water. |
I can’t tolerate taste of water, what else can I drink? |
You may try low sodium and fat free broth, water with |
Is it possible to gain weight again after the surgery? |
Yes it is possible to gain back the weight you have lost
|
Will I ever feel normal again? |
Of course you will; just be patient and listen to your |
I seem to be healing well and can tolerate all the foods in full fluid stage with no problem. Can I move to pureed stage when I am only 10 days post-op? |
Please follow all the guidelines which were written in |
I’ve noticed I am losing lots of hair, is this going to stop soon? |
Most patients will notice that their hair thins out. |
Should I be concerned that I am experiencing a lot of gas and bloating? |
There are several possible reasons for gas and bloating:
Presence of sugar alcohols in various foods, e.g., protein shakes, e.g., sorbitol, xylitol, etc.; eliminate these items and observe whether you are having less symptoms or not. |
After my surgery I noticed I have a divot/dent in my |
Yes this is normal. With time and as you lose weight the divot/dent/dimple will start to disappear. |