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Interested in losing weight but unsure - and worried - about your choices? Bariatric surgery can be a real solution when diet and exercise have failed. Plus, there’s the option to add injectable weight-loss medications to enhance your results.
Undergoing surgery naturally comes with concerns, but the team at New York Bariatric Group (NYBG) understands the emotions that often accompany such procedures. They are dedicated to providing answers and reassurance every step of the way.
Let’s walk through some common questions together!
Q: Will it Take a Long Hospital Stay?
A: One of the most common concerns about bariatric surgery is how long you'll have to stay in the hospital. Fortunately, bariatric surgery typically doesn’t require a lengthy hospital stay.
Most patients stay in the hospital for only 1 to 3 days. For those undergoing less invasive procedures (which can apply to many bariatric surgery patients given laparoscopic techniques!), a same-day discharge is possible at one of NYBG’s specialized Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC). An ASC is a modern healthcare facility designed exclusively for same-day surgical procedures. ASCs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals to provide patients with a comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional hospital-based surgery.
Q: When Can I Go Back to Work?
A: One of the great advantages of modern bariatric surgery is the relatively short recovery time. Most patients return to work within 1 to 3 weeks, but this can vary depending on the nature of your job and your individual recovery.
If you have a desk job or other light-duty work, you may be back to work in as little as 1-2 weeks. For more physically demanding jobs, like those that involve heavy lifting or significant physical activity, you may need to take up to 3 to 6 weeks off to ensure your body heals properly.
Q: Will it Hurt?
A: Pain is a natural concern when considering any surgery. Most patients find that the discomfort after bariatric surgery is manageable thanks to the laparoscopic techniques used for most procedures. The incisions are small, meaning less pain and faster recovery!
Q: How Long is the Procedure?
Bariatric surgery is relatively quick, especially when considering the life-changing results. Most procedures take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of surgery you’re having.
Laparoscopic techniques allow surgeons to perform these procedures more quickly, with less impact on your body.
Q: When Will I Start Losing Weight?
One of the most exciting aspects of bariatric surgery is how quickly many patients start seeing results. You can expect to start losing weight almost immediately after surgery. In fact, many patients notice weight loss within the first few days.
The most dramatic weight loss tends to occur in the first 3 to 6 months post-surgery. During this time, it’s common for patients to lose 30% to 50% of their excess weight.
Q: Can Injectable Weight-Loss Medications be Used with Bariatric Surgery?
While bariatric surgery by itself can lead to significant weight loss, some patients also explore other options to maximize their results. Injectable weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide (often sold under brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic), have gained popularity as a way to further support weight-loss efforts.
These medications work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. When combined with bariatric surgery, they may offer additional benefits:
- Further Appetite Control: Post-surgery, patients already eat smaller portions, but medications can help manage hunger even more effectively.
- Enhanced Weight Loss: For some patients, the medication can boost weight loss, especially if they experience slower progress after surgery.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Some injectables are designed to manage blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
It's important to use these medications under supervision from your healthcare provider.
While oral and injectable weight-loss medications can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and are unknown.
Bariatric surgery offers a path to significant weight loss without the worry of a long hospital stay or extended recovery time. With relatively quick surgery times, manageable pain, and fast weight-loss results, it’s no wonder many turn to NYBG for this life-changing procedure.
New York Bariatric Group: The Weight-Loss Leader
NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss such as oral and injectable medications. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you.
Oral and injectable weight-loss medications have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health.
Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option.
Our practice is the best around:
- Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, and medical weight loss.
- 42,000 successful procedures performed with more being performed every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Offering in-person and virtual consultations
- Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!
All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.
Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
