Bariatric Surgery

Questions and Answers about Bariatric Surgery

By Dr. Louis Balsama

Over the past two decades, bariatric surgery has become a more common option for individuals who are extremely overweight, but have not been able to lose weight through other means. Last month, research articles published by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that weight loss following bariatric surgery also increased life expectancy. This research represented the first long-term studies of the health effects of bariatric surgery.

In the following, Dr. Louis Balsama answers some questions about weight loss surgery.

Question: Who should consider bariatric surgery?

Dr. Balsama: Anyone who falls into one of three categories:

1. Someone who is at least one hundred pounds overweight;
2. Someone whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than 35 and who has medical issues related to their weight; or
3. Someone whose BMI is greater than 40, regardless of other medical issues.

Question: Do I have to go on a special diet or have special tests before the surgery? How much time does this take?

Dr. Balsama: It takes about two to three months to complete the workup needed to prepare a patient for bariatric surgery. This includes medical consultations and assessments of health risk, as well as insurance precertification.

Question: What types of surgery are available?

Dr. Balsama: There are several techniques. In my practice, we offer either a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a newer technique called a "Lap Band®."

Question: How long after surgery before I can resume normal activity?

Dr. Balsama: Patients can expect to have fatigue directly after surgery, but this will usually resolve within 10 to 14 days, if the surgery is done laparoscopically (through a small incision).

Question: Will I have to eat special foods after the surgery?

Dr. Balsama: A very regimented diet begins after the surgery, starting with clear liquids, and progressing to a soft diet. Helpings are much reduced after surgery.

Question: How much weight can I expect to lose?

Dr. Balsama: Patients can expect to lose about two thirds of their excess body weight in one to two years, depending on the patient and the procedure.

Question: What are the dangers or possible complications?

Dr. Balsama: There are the normal risks associated with abdominal surgery, including blood clots and suture line breakdown. Later complications include vitamin deficiencies and bowel obstructions.

To schedule an appointment, please call The University Doctors Department of Surgery at 856-566-2700.

Office Locations

UMDNJ-SOM, Department of Bariatric Surgery
42 E. Laurel Road
Suite 2500
Stratford, NJ 08084

Insurances Covered