Bariatric Surgery

Supporting Your Weight Loss Goals

Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss

Severe obesity or “morbid obesity” is a disease that faces millions of people across the world. In the American Southeast, this disease is particularly widespread and has many causes including cultural, genetic and psychological factors. In obese patients, the set point of stored energy becomes to high, causing the body to slow its metabolism of energy which fights against traditional diet and exercise programs. This is why so many patients are frustrated by failure with fad diets and exercise and need help to break the hormonal cycles that sabatage their efforts.

Dr O’Connor takes a comprehensive approach to treatment of obesity, utilizing nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and phycological interventions to help patients achieve their goals.

Bariatric surgery works by cutting the communication between the intestinal hormones and a patients brain, to finally allow them to break through and have some success. In patients who are committed and work hard, it can be the thing that finally gives them the results they’ve been working towards. In addition, its been shown to reduce the severity or cure diseases associated with obesity such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Coronary heart disease, Obstructive sleep apnea, Reflux, and many others. Bariatric surgery gives patients the best long term weight loss results and reduces patients chances of a fetal heart attack.

Dr. O’Connor specializes in minimally invasive and robotic techniques which decrease complications and speed recovery after surgery.

DR. SEAN O'CONNOR

Bariatric Services

Sleeve Gastrectomy

The size of the stomach is reduced by removing the outer portion turning it into a small thin tube. This reduces the amount of food required to feel full, makes patients feel full longer as well as stimulates hormones that improve or prevent diabetes. This can be performed through small incisions most patients have a quick recovery after surgery.

Roux-en-Y Gastric

The size of the stomach is reduced and additionally, part of the small intestine is bypassed. This also results in an increased feeling of fullness and decreased appetite. Also, there is decreased absorption of calories and stimulation of hormones that improve or prevent diabetes. This operation is slightly more invasive, however results in the most weight loss and improvement of diabetes.

Call to Schedule a Surgery Consult.

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Sean O’Connor with you about the preperation of your hernia surgery. Be sure to:

Inform your physician about any medications (prescriptions & over-the-counter medicines), herbs or supplements you’re currently taking.
Check with your insurance company to determine the requirements for coverage of Bariatric procedures.
Stop smoking; smoking affects blood flow and can slow healing and cause gastric ulcers.
Stop taking all NSAID medications (ibuprofen, Goody powder, alieve); these can cause gastric ulcers after surgery
Follow any additonal directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
Ensure you have a strong support system of friends and family to help you on your health journey.

What to Expect

The Day of Surgery

You will be on a liquid diet one week prior to surgery. The purpose of this diet is to shrink the liver which can make surgery difficult, as well as kickstart your metabolism.

Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time. You’ll be asked to change into a gown. Shortly after, an IV will be inserted in your hand or arm to provide fluids and medicine.

All surgeries are performed minimally invasively so you will have several small incisions that are about 1/2 inch in size.

You will have a blood thinner given prior to surgery to prevent blood clots.

After Bariatric Surgery

After the bariatric surgery is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery area. Here your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored; you’ll also have a bandage over the surgical site.

Most patients stay one night in the hospital to ensure that they can meet the goals for discharge:

Sip: 64 oz of fluid per day. your stomach is smaller so you will need to constantly be sipping to keep up hydration
Walk: Need to Walk every hour while your awake to prevent blood clots and kickstart metabolism
Protein: 60 grams of protein a day. In the first 2 weeks after surgery this will be through protein shakes and smoothies.

After surgery you’ll be on a liquid diet for two weeks, but you will need to avoid any soda / carbonation, and everything must be sugar free (artificial sweeteners are ok)