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Frequently Asked Questions

Have bariatric surgery questions?

Read through a list of our frequently asked questions concerning bariatric surgery and the surgery process options we provide.

Getting Started and Your Options

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, includes procedures that change the size of the stomach and, in some cases, how the digestive system works. These procedures can help patients achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.

What types of weight loss surgery do you offer?

Willamette Valley Bariatric Institute offers sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, SADI-S, revisional bariatric surgery, and gastric band repair or removal. Your surgeon will help determine which procedure may be best for your individual needs.

Do you offer weight-loss medications?

Prescription medications may be considered for some patients as part of an individualized bariatric treatment plan. Willamette Valley Bariatric Institute specializes in surgical weight loss and long-term bariatric care. During your evaluation, your care team will discuss treatment options that are appropriate for your specific needs.

Can I still consider bariatric surgery if I've used weight-loss medications?

Yes. Many patients explore bariatric surgery after trying other weight-loss approaches, including prescription medications. During your consultation, we'll review your treatment history and discuss whether surgery may be appropriate based on your health goals and needs.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Eligibility is based on factors such as BMI, weight-related health conditions, medical history and previous weight-loss efforts. During a consultation, your provider can evaluate your situation and discuss available treatment options.

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I'm not sure if I'm ready for surgery. Should I still contact the program?

Yes. Many patients contact us to learn more about their options before deciding whether surgery is right for them. A consultation allows you to discuss your goals, health history and potential treatment approaches with an experienced bariatric care team.

Your Surgery and Hospital Stay

How long does surgery last?

Each person’s case is different. But, depending on the operation, it usually lasts about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. After surgery, you will remain in the recovery room until your anesthesiologist clears you to be moved to your hospital room, usually about 1 hour after surgery.

Can the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass be reversed?

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass changes your gastrointestinal tract. Because nothing is removed during this bypass, it can be reversed. However, this operation should be viewed as a permanent change. If you are not ready for that type of commitment, this type of procedure may not be the best option for you at this point.

How can I prepare for surgery?

First and foremost, educate yourself. Read all materials available from our website. Check out other reputable online resources like www.obesityhelp.com and www.ASMBS.org. Attend our informational seminar and/or one of our support group sessions. Listen to the stories of other weight loss surgery patients, which you can also find online or in print, but be aware of the individual differences in surgical experience and compliance. Begin to put in place the recommended healthy lifestyle behaviors that go hand-in-hand with weight loss success, such as weaning carbonated/caffeinated beverages, building in healthy protein sources to each meal, increasing physical activity as able, and cutting out simple and starchy carbohydrates. You will find that the sooner you “surrender” to these recommendations, the easier it will be to adopt and maintain this healthy lifestyle after surgery, and you will be more successful long-term in keeping off excess weight.

Recovery and Life After Treatment

How long will my recovery be?

Typically, patients spend the first night postoperatively in the hospital. Many patients do not require any pain medicine. We encourage patients to get up and walk around immediately during their post-operative stay in the hospital. Most people get back into the swing of things after a week or two following their procedure. For example, typically our patients go back to light aerobics and brisk walking after two weeks.

When can I begin exercising after surgery?

Right away! We recommend starting right after surgery with short walks several times a day. This will help shorten your recovery and prevent complications like blood clots in the legs and lungs. Listen to your body and to your surgeon. If you lift weights or play sports, stay "low impact" for the first month or as directed by your surgeon.

Will I feel weak because I'm not eating as much?

As with most operations, fatigue is very common initially as your body recovers from surgery. As your body heals, your energy level will improve. Protein and fluid intake are prioritized after surgery to ensure adequate nutritional intake to sustain good health.

How much weight will I lose after surgery?

Most people can expect to lose between 60% and 70% of their excess body weight. Most of this is lost within the first 18 months following surgery.

Most people maintain 50-60% of their excess weight loss in the long term. These are averages and will vary from patient to patient. As part of your initial consultation, you will receive individualized handouts detailing estimated weight loss after surgery, which take into account things like your age, gender and other medical problems which may affect weight loss.

Does the stomach stretch back to its original size over time?

With any weight loss surgery, your body has to adjust to a smaller capacity for food. If you follow your post-operative eating guidelines you should be able to maintain a healthy weight. It is important to follow post-operative diet recommendations to avoid complications and to maximize weight loss after surgery.

Can I eat whatever I want after surgery?

Aside from the initial recovery period after surgery, which consists of a 4-6 week transition to solid food, you should be able to eat most foods in smaller quantities. You will receive extensive nutrition education prior to surgery to help maximize weight loss after surgery and to avoid weight regain in the future.

Will bariatric surgery ease my joint pain?

In most cases, yes. With a reduction of weight on the joints, many people experience less joint pain and increased mobility. However, if there is already permanent damage to your joints, weight loss may not resolve all your joint pain.

Since my stomach is smaller and I can't eat as much, will I stay hungry?

Bariatric surgery reduces the production of ghrelin, also known as the "hunger hormone." Most patients describe a dramatic reduction in both hunger and cravings after surgery. It is normal for hunger to return over time, although most patients continue to report less hunger than prior to surgery.

Will I lose my hair?

Temporary hair thinning is normal in the first year after surgery due to the stress that the body undergoes during rapid weight loss. If the hair loss continues past a year, it may be related to malnutrition. It is important to follow up with your surgeon and dietitian after surgery to ensure you are meeting your individual protein and vitamin/mineral needs.

Will I ever be allowed to drink carbonated beverages?

It is acceptable to consume carbonated beverages 1 month after surgery if you tolerate them. However, carbonation often creates a sensation of fullness, so these beverages should only be reintroduced once you are meeting daily goals for protein and fluid intake. Sugar-free beverages are recommended to maximize weight loss and to avoid weight regain.

When can I have a baby after weight loss surgery?

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is possible. In fact, women who have suffered from infertility in the past will often see improvement in their fertility as they lose weight. However, we recommend that our female patients avoid pregnancy for 1-2 years after weight loss surgery in order to maximize weight loss and minimize complications of pregnancy. After you've fully recovered from surgery and have lost a significant amount of your excess weight, pregnancy is much safer for both you and the baby. You will have a lower risk of weight-related pregnancy and delivery complications, and the baby, if born while you are at a healthy weight, will have a lower risk of later health problems as well. If you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant, please let us know as soon as possible so we can work closely with you and your OB-GYN.

What support is available after surgery?

Long-term follow-up care may include office visits, nutrition counseling, education and ongoing guidance from your bariatric care team to help support lasting success.

Insurance, Costs and Requirements

Will insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many insurers require specific steps before approval, such as medical evaluations or documentation of weight-related health conditions. Our team can help you understand typical requirements and what your plan may cover.

What if my insurance says there is an exclusion in my policy?

This means that your particular plan does not provide coverage for weight loss surgery, even if your doctor thinks the surgery is medically necessary. If you get your insurance through your employer, this generally means that your employer did not purchase coverage for bariatric surgery.

If my insurance will not pay for the surgery, can I pay for the surgery myself?

We do offer bariatric surgery for patients who would like to pay out-of-pocket. Please contact us directly for a quote.

My insurance question wasn't addressed here. Who can I contact?

Please contact Ellen Plaia, RD, Bariatric Program Coordinator, at Ellen.Plaia@mywvmc.com or 503.434.6060.

Question Still Not Answered?

Call 503.434.6060

Willamette Valley Bariatric Institute
254 NE Norton Lane
McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: 503.434.6060

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