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An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Friedman on Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Friedman is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Bariatric Surgery.
Q. When can a patient go back to their normal activity level?
A. The advantage of laparoscopic surgery is that patients have less pain, decreased hopsital stays, fewer complications, and get back to normal activity much faster. Patients should expect to be back to work within one week following the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and 2 weeks after the laparoscopic gastric bypass.
A. Implantable gastric stimulators are devices implanted on the stomach wall most commonly for a condition called gastroparesis, which is when the stomach doesn’ t work right causing chronic vomiting. These devices are used only at selected medical centers and are not currently used for weight loss surgery other than in experimental protocols.
Q. What are the complications and risks associated with Bariatric Surgery?
A. Bariatric surgery is very safe when done by experienced board certified, fellowship trained surgeons who are a part of a center of excellence. Risks are lessened when it is performed laparoscpically. I have a 0.8% 30 day readmission/complication rate. My number one complication following the gastric bypass is dehydration. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is very safe and my main complication is failure to lose weight. With the band I have never had any deaths. It is very important to me that my patients understand the potential risks of surgery prior to any procedure. We will spend the majority of our first appointment discussing this.
Q. Does Bariatric Surgery Involve New Eating Habits?
A. we will also discuss the dietary and nutritional needs and requirements following surgery. Patients will have similar diets following both procedures. protein, fluid requirements, vitamins and calcium are typical for the the post-op requirements. Patients will initially be on soft foods but will quickly return to eating solid foods and by 5 - 6 weeks out from surgery can eat regular food. Patients will not be able to eat junk food and bread will be very difficult to eat. All patients will meet with our dietitian prior to surgery.
Q. What are the success rates associated with each type of surgery?
A. Both procedures are safe and effective. They are approved for people with a body mass index above 35. The laparoscopic gastric banding will restrict the amount of food you will eat. You will feel full faster. People lose on average 50% of their excess weight after 2 years. The laparoscopic gastric bypasses restricts the amount you eat and makes you absorb less of what you eat. Avreage weight loss with the gastric bypass is 60 - 70 % of your excess weight. Both procedures are shown to cure non insulin dependent diabetes in 75% of patients, hypertension in 60% of patients, obstructive sleep apnea in 80% of patients, and reflux in 99% of patients. Many other illnesses associated with obesity are improved or cured following surgery. Studies have demostrated that peoples risk of developing cancer decreases and their life expectancy is extended by 10 - 15 years.
