When you meet with any of the Houston Surgical Group surgeons for a consultation, they will carefully consider what will help you attain the best possible outcome for you and your lifestyle. They will educate you until they are convinced that you understand the risks and benefits of the weight loss option you choose. Request a consultation online or call our office at (713) 426-2400 for more information about how you can take the steps toward improving your life.
Does Laparoscopic Surgery Decrease The Risks Involved In Weight Loss Surgery?
No. Laparoscopic operations carry the same risks as the procedure performed as an open operation. The benefits of laparoscopy are typically less discomfort, shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work and reduced scarring.
Will I Have a Lot Of Pain After Surgery?
For Houston and Cypress patients, every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often, several drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery pain. While you are still in the hospital, a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give yourself a dose of pain medicine on demand, may be used by your physician. Various methods of pain control, depending on your type of surgical procedure, are available. Ask your surgeon about other pain management options.
How Long Will I Have To Stay In The Hospital?
Gastric Band patients stay in outpatient or overnight, depending on the patient. Gastric Sleeve/Gastric Bypass is overnight to two days, depending on the patient.
Will The Doctor Leave a Drain In After Surgery?
Most patients will have a small tube to allow drainage of any accumulated fluids from the abdomen. This is a safety measure, and it is usually removed a few days after surgery. Generally, it produces no more than minor discomfort.
What Can I Expect When I Wake Up In The Recovery Room?
Some doctors will provide a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) or a self-administered pain management system to help control pain. Others prefer to use an infusion pump that provides a local anesthetic in the surgical site to control pain without the side effects of narcotics. As with any major surgery, you are in danger of death from a blood clot or other surgical side effects. Statistically, the risk of death during these procedures is less than 1%. Your doctors will have assessed you for risks and prepared accordingly. All abdominal operations carry the risks of bleeding, infection in the incision, blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms), strokes or heart attacks, anesthetic complications and blockage or obstruction of the intestine. These risks are greater in morbidly obese patients.
How Soon Will I Be Able To Walk?
Almost immediately after surgery, doctors will require you to get up and move about. Patients are asked to walk or stand at the bedside on the night of surgery, take several walks the next day and thereafter. On leaving the hospital, you may be able to care for all your personal needs, but will need help with shopping, lifting, and with transportation.
How Soon Can I Drive?
For your own safety, you should not drive until you have stopped taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and alertly to stop your car, especially in an emergency. Usually this takes 7-14 days after surgery.