Frequently Asked Questions
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• FAQs: the tests done before surgery
• FAQs: the surgeries
What is the youngest patient you can operate on?
We have performed surgery on patients as young as 14 years of age. We accept adolescents on a case-by-case basis to our program. In this age group, we are concerned that the patients make the decision for surgery themselves and fully understand and commit to the altered eating pattern necessary for success.
What is the oldest patient you can operate upon?
Age is not as big a factor as the patient’s overall medical condition. We accept patients over 65 years of age on a case-by-case basis.
How long does it take to schedule surgery?
Our program requirements include medical tests, education, and psychological support. Depending on the response from your insurance company, it's generally 2 to 6 months from the time you attend your first information lecture until your surgery date. Insurance approval is a prerequisite for many people, and we can ordinarily schedule surgery within about 4 to 6 weeks after financial arrangements are made. Once we have your insurance approval, we contact you to schedule surgery. We recommend that you do not wait more than about 90 days after insurance approval is granted or re-approval may be needed.
FAQs: testing before surgery back to top
• What are some of the usual tests before surgery?
• Why would I need to have a sleep study?
• Why do I have to have a psychological evaluation?
What are some of the usual tests before surgery?
We always do certain tests: a complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and a chemistry panel which gives us a readout of about 20 blood chemistry values. Most people, except the very young, get a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram. We may do a gallbladder ultrasound to look for gallstones. Other tests which we frequently order, when indicated, include pulmonary function testing, echocardiogram, sleep studies, GI evaluation, or cardiology evaluation.
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Not all patients need a sleep study, but we will screen you to ascertain whether you are at high risk for sleep apnea. The sleep study detects a tendency for abnormal cessation of breathing, usually associated with airway obstruction when the muscles relax during sleep. This condition can cause problems and even death during even everyday living. After surgery, you will be sedated and receiving narcotics for pain, which also depress normal breathing drive and reflexes. At that time, airway obstruction becomes even more dangerous, and we need to have a clear picture of what to expect and how to handle it. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications in the recovery room.
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We do not believe that people with weight problems are crazy! Evaluation is a requirement of many insurance plans. But even when it is not required, we ask the psychotherapist to evaluate our patients for understanding and knowledge of the life changes they will face and their ability to follow the basic recovery plan. It also gives you an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and how to apply them long-term to a successful weight loss surgery experience. Very few people are disqualified by the psychological evaluation.
• How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
• Do you use a drain tube during recovery?
• If I travel from out of town, how long will I have to remain in the area?
Typically, the hospital stay for a laparoscopic gastric bypass or gastric sleeve is one night, with discharge being by dinnertime the day after surgery. For laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, patients are typically discharged within 4 to 6 hours after surgery. Everyone reacts to anesthesia a little differently, so if you are not feeling well, you may be kept an extra night for your comfort and safety.
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Most patients will have a small tube to allow drainage of any accumulated fluids from the abdomen. This is a safety measure and is usually removed before discharge from the hospital. It produces no more than minor discomfort.
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Patients who come from outside the Gainesville area for surgery are required to remain in the vicinity for around 7 days after the day of surgery, until your first follow-up visit with your surgeon. Obesity Solutions believes it's important for patients to have quick access to their surgeons should they have any post-op questions or issues. Most patients stay at a nearby hotel (our office has a list) or sometimes with relatives or friends in the area.
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