Can the surgery be reversed?
A: It is possible to reverse the surgery, but it is not advised. Reversing the surgery is considered another major procedure and you are at an increased risk for complications. Reversing the surgery also would increase your risk of regaining the weight you have lost.

If my pouch grows too much, can it be made smaller again?
A: It can be made smaller, but again, you would have an increased risk for complications. The best way to maintain your weight or not regain your weight is to follow the guidelines set by the bariatric program.

What happens to the unused portion of my stomach?
A: The portion of the stomach that is “dormant” continues to produce acids and enzymes of digestion.

Why do some people have more gas than others?
A: There are a couple of different reasons why some people have more gas than others.

a) Eating, drinking and talking can cause a person to swallow air; be careful not to eat or drink too fast
b) Eating gas-producing foods, such as cabbage and broccoli
c) People with irritable bowel syndrome develop gas when the bowel becomes irritated; stress and anxiety have a tendency to trigger an episode of irritable bowel syndrome

How do I know if I am successful with my weight loss?
A: Remember, success is not getting to your goal weight; it is getting to a “healthy” weight. If you have achieved a weight within approximately 40 pounds of your ideal body weight and maintain your weight, you are considered a success.

What do I do about excess skin after weight loss?
A: The best way to help minimize the amount of excess skin with weight loss is to maintain nutritional intake and aerobic exercise and weight training. Plastic surgery consults are available for those who may need removal of excess skin.

How long should I wait to get pregnant after surgery?
A: It is strongly recommended that women wait at least year after surgery before getting pregnant. Approximately one year postoperatively (depending on how much weight you needed to lose), your body will be fairly stable and you should be able to carry a healthy fetus to term.

How do you know when to stop losing weight?
A: As long as you follow the program properly, with nutrition and exercise, your body will adjust to the weight loss and stabilize, when the appropriate amount of weight has been lost.

Is it possible to regain my weight?
A: Remember, your gastric bypass is only a tool. It is not a cure for obesity. Such behaviors as snacking, drinking with meals, drinking caffeinated and carbonated beverages, not drinking enough water in between meals, and not exercising are common behaviors that will cause you to regain your weight.