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What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass, specifically the Roux-en-Y procedure, is among the most effective surgery for weight loss. It involves creating a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. This design drastically reduces the stomach’s size, limiting food intake and calorie absorption.

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Your Path to a New Life Starts Here

Gastric Bypass Surgery is the start of a lifelong commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Surgical Associates is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from initial consultation to long-term follow-up. We ensure that you have all the tools and resources needed for success.

How Does Gastric Bypass Surgery Work?

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique is a sophisticated surgical procedure designed to facilitate significant weight loss. The procedure involves two main steps:

Creating a Small Stomach Pouch

The surgeon begins by dividing the top portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch approximately the size of an egg. This smaller pouch restricts the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Bypassing Part of the Small Intestine

The next step involves connecting this newly formed stomach pouch directly to a section of the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and a segment of the intestine. This rearrangement not only limits food absorption but also induces hormonal changes that aid in weight loss.

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Ground Breaking Approach to Weight Loss Surgery Laparoscopy

The majority of these surgeries are performed laparoscopically. This approach involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments, resulting in less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal activities.

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Postoperative Adjustments

After surgery, the patient’s digestive system functions differently. Therefore, dietary adjustments and regular follow-up care are crucial to ensure optimal results and to monitor for potential complications. The gastric bypass procedure at Surgical Associates is performed with the utmost care and precision, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Our surgical team is committed to guiding patients through this life-changing journey with comprehensive support and expertise. Choosing Surgical Associates for weight loss surgery means entrusting your health to a team of skilled, compassionate professionals. Our surgeons, equipped with extensive experience in bariatric surgery, ensure that each procedure is performed with precision and care.

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Our Bariatric Surgeons

Our bariatric surgeons are among the most experienced in the field, each bringing over 15 years of expertise to the operating table. Having performed over 1500 weight loss procedures, our surgeons have the skills and experience you can trust to deliver safe and effective surgical outcomes. This wealth of experience ensures that every procedure is tailored to the individual needs and health goals of our patients, guided by the latest advancements in bariatric surgery.

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Comprehensive Care for Long-Term Success

Understanding that bariatric surgery is just one component of a successful weight loss journey, we offer an integrated care program designed to support patients every step of the way:

Dietary Counseling

Our nutrition experts provide personalized nutritional plans and education, helping patients adopt healthy eating habits essential for maintaining weight loss.

Physical Therapy

Tailored physical activity programs are developed to suit each patient’s ability and recovery process, promoting physical fitness and aiding in weight loss.

Psychological Support

Recognizing the emotional aspects of weight loss, we offer psychological evaluations and counseling to address behavioral patterns and support mental well-being.

Support Groups

Patients have access to support groups, creating a community of encouragement and shared experiences, which is crucial for long-term success.

Long-Term Follow-Up Care

Ongoing postoperative care and regular check-ins are integral parts of our program, ensuring continuous support and guidance for our patients.

Our comprehensive approach not only facilitates dramatic weight loss but also equips our patients with the tools and resources needed for long-term success and a healthier lifestyle beyond surgery.

What to Expect Your journey to Weight Loss and Improved Health

Before surgery, our team conducts a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review and physical examinations, to determine if gastric bypass surgery in Wausau with our team is the right choice for you. We provide detailed preoperative education, preparing you mentally and physically for the journey ahead. Following gastric bypass surgery, patients, when adhering to a carefully structured diet and exercise regimen, can anticipate significant weight loss. Within the first year after the operation, it’s common for patients to lose approximately one-third of their total body weight. As the journey progresses, typically between 12 to 18 months post-surgery, patients often experience a reduction of about 65% to 75% of their excess weight. This substantial weight loss is achieved through the surgery and our comprehensive follow-up program.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Our team of medical professionals will assess your health, weight history, and lifestyle to determine if gastric bypass is suitable for you. Determining if you’re a suitable candidate for gastric bypass surgery involves a careful assessment against specific criteria, which can vary depending on your insurance provider. At Surgical Associates, we guide our patients through these criteria, ensuring a personalized approach that caters to each individual’s unique situation. The criteria for eligibility include:

  • Age: Candidates are typically between 18 and 70 years old.
  • Significant overweight status: Generally, being at least 100 pounds overweight or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 is a criterion.
  • Weight-related health problems: Candidates often have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, sleep apnea, reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol or lipids), or degenerative joint disease in weight-bearing joints.
  • History of weight loss efforts: A documented history of attempts at non-surgical weight loss is usually required.
  • Nutritional guidance: Visits with a dietitian may be necessary to assess and guide dietary habits.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy visits might be part of the pre-surgery preparation to improve physical fitness.
  • Non-smoker status: Smoking can increase surgical risks and impair recovery, and non-smokers are preferred candidates.
  • Psychological evaluation and counseling: A psychological assessment and counseling are crucial to ensure mental preparedness and understanding of the lifestyle changes required post-surgery.

Each patient’s journey to surgery is unique, and at Surgical Associates, we are committed to providing guidance and support through each step of this process. We ensure that the criteria for gastric bypass surgery are clearly understood and met, tailored to your specific health profile and needs.

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Why Choose Surgical Associates for Gastric Bypass Surgery in Wausau?

Gastric Bypass Surgery at Surgical Associates is more than a procedure; it’s a transformative journey toward improved health and quality of life. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care, comprehensive support, and a pathway to a healthier, more fulfilling future. For more information or to start your journey with us, contact Surgical Associates today.

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How Long is the Recovery After Gastric Bypass?

Recovery varies by individual, but we provide comprehensive guidelines and support to ensure a smooth process. You can expect a brief hospital stay followed by a period of recuperation at home, with a return to work and other activities in one to two weeks. 

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Gastric Bypass FAQ

Who is a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?

Can I get pregnant after gastric bypass surgery?

How long is the recovery?

What diet changes come after gastric bypass surgery?

Does health insurance cover the cost of surgery?

Will I be able to drive after gastric bypass surgery?

Who is a candidate for gastric bypass surgery?

Candidates ideal for bariatric surgery typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher and are severely obese. Surgical Associates will help navigate through the specific criteria set by different insurance companies, providing a personalized assessment for each patient.

Can I get pregnant after gastric bypass surgery?

Significant weight loss after surgery can affect hormonal balance. While some patients have conceived soon after the procedure, it is generally advised to wait for 12-18 months post-surgery before attempting pregnancy.

How long is the recovery?

Recovery times can vary, but most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within one to two weeks post-surgery, depending on their health status and the success of the operation.

What diet changes come after gastric bypass surgery?

Postoperative dietary changes are crucial. Initially, the diet is restricted to liquids, with a gradual reintroduction of solid foods. Detailed dietary plans are provided during dietitian visits both before and after surgery.

Does health insurance cover the cost of surgery?

Coverage depends on individual insurance policies. Patients are encouraged to review their insurance plan and work with our team to meet documentation requirements for coverage approval. Even if initially denied, options are available through the insurance appeal process.

Will I be able to drive after gastric bypass surgery?

Patients can resume driving once they are free from narcotic pain medications and can react swiftly in emergencies. The surgeon will provide specific guidance on the timing based on individual recovery progress.

At Surgical Associates Your needs & well-being take the forefront

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