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Q: Which insurance providers partner with Vanderbilt, and of those, who approves weight loss surgery?
A: Click here for current lists.

Q: How many surgeries like this have the Vanderbilt surgeons done?
A: The open surgery has been performed here for more than five years. The laparoscopic gastric bypass is relatively new, but we have performed more than 1000 procedures over the last seven years. Vanderbilt Surgeons specialize in the laparoscopic approach and have performed more than 1000 laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures over the past 7 years.

Q: How long does the surgery last?
A: The surgery will last approximately 2-4 hours. After surgery, you will remain in the recovery room until your anesthesiologist clears you to be moved to your hospital room, usually in about 2-3 hours after surgery.

Q: How long will I be in the hospital after surgery?
A: You will remain in the hospital until the surgeon has decided that you are stable enough to return home, usually 1-3 days after laparoscopic surgery and 3 to 4 days after open surgery. Lap band patients may go home the same day.

Q: How much time will I need to take off from work?
A: The time that you take off from work depends on what type of work you do. After the laparoscopic approach, you can go back to a desk job sometimes in as little as 2 weeks. You will need to be out of work anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Most people take at least 4 weeks off from work.

Q: For gastric bypass surgery, what is the difference between open, and laparoscopic forms of the surgery?
A: The surgery is the same, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The difference is how the surgeon gets access into your body. During the open surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision down your abdomen. This opening will allow the surgeon to use his hands to perform the surgery under direct vision. During the laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes several tiny incisions. A tube is inserted into the abdomen through one of the incisions. Carbon dioxide gas is gently pumped into the abdomen to expand it. A tiny video camera is inserted through the tube. The surgeon is able to “see” into the abdomen by watching a nearby monitor. The surgeon watches the monitor and uses surgical instruments that have been inserted through the small incisions to perform the surgery.

Q: Who decides if I have open or laparoscopic surgery?
A: The surgeons at the Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss will decide which method is best for you. The decision is based on your size (height and weight), your general health, and any previous surgical procedures. Most patients can undergo the laparoscopic approach.

Q: Will the surgeon remove my gallbladder?
A: The surgeon may decide to take out your gallbladder if it is causing you significant problems. If you still have your gallbladder, the surgeon will request a gallbladder ultrasound prior to your surgery. If the gallbladder has stones in it, but is not causing you problems, the surgeon will not remove it. If the gallbladder does not have stones, you will be put on a medication, Actigall, starting 1 week after your surgery. You will remain on this medication for 6 months. When taken for 6 months after surgery, this medication is very effective in preventing gallstone formation during weight loss.

Q: Why does my hair fall out and how can I prevent that from happening?
A: Numerous metabolic changes occur after gastric bypass surgery. The number of calories your body is accustomed to consuming is drastically reduced. Hair loss is often minimal and the hair usually grows back. Consuming adequate amounts of protein and taking your multivitamins will reduce the amount of hair that may be lost.

Q: Is my surgeon in the operating room during the entire surgical procedure? Who else is in the room?
A: The surgeon will be the person who performs the surgery. This surgery requires more than two hands. A laparoscopic fellow will assist the surgeon in performing the surgery. A surgical resident is often in the room to assist with the surgery as well as operating room nurses.

Q: Can the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery be reversed?
A: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery dramatically changes your gastrointestinal tract and is very rarely reversed. This surgery should be viewed as a permanent change. If you are not ready for that type of commitment, another type of surgery may be a better option for you.

Q: What are the steps taken before my surgery if I am currently on blood thinners?
A: Usually the doctor will have you stop taking Coumadin one week before your surgery. You will be switched to an injectable medication until and throughout the surgery. You will later be put back on Coumadin. Your INR levels will need to be monitored closely after your surgery due to changes in absorption.

Q: Will I ever be allowed to drink carbonated beverages?
A: It is not recommended to drink carbonated beverages.

Q: What is the leak rate?
A: Nationally, the leak rate from the gastrojejunal anastomosis (where they reattach the stomach and the small intestine) is about 3%. We have done over 1000 laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries with a leak rate of 0.3%.

Q: What is the death rate?
A: Nationally, the mortality rate is about 8 per every 1000. We have performed more than 1000 surgeries, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.2%.

Q: How much excess skin will I have?
A: There is no reliable way to predict the amount of excess skin you may have. Younger patients will have fewer problems with excess skin after weight loss but most patients will have excess skin that may require surgery for removal.

Q: Is there a good age at which to have this surgery?
A: Ages 15-64 are good years for gastric bypass. Patients 65 years old may elect to have a procedure such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Patients ages 15-64 are eligible for surgery.

Q: How long after surgery before my energy level increases?
A: Your energy level may be low immediately following surgery. The method used to perform the surgery will influence the rate at which your energy level improves. You will need about 6 weeks before going back to regular activities after the open surgery, and about 1-2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery.

Further Questions:
Contact Jaime Reid at (615) 343-8988.