YNHH performs surgery on adult patients from 18-75 years of age. Programs differ in their age limit. We believe that surgery can be safely performed on individuals over the age of 70, on a case-by-case basis. Your surgeon will discuss options with you.
Adolescents under 18 years of age can enter our adolescent program, which is conducted jointly with pediatric medical specialists. For more information please contact 203-789-6237 and ask for the Adolescent Surgery Program.
Monthly support groups for pre-op and post-op bariatric surgery patients are offered online. Support groups are available for those considering bariatric surgery, those awaiting surgery and those who have had surgery, regardless of where surgery is performed and regardless of how long ago it occurred. Friends and family are welcome to participate as well. For more information, contact our bariatric surgery coordinator at 203-863-3646 or [email protected].
Typically you should be able to take most medication as before your surgery. Your team will review your medication plan with you.
Most people are able to take a decreased amount of medications as their health improves.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies from person to person. Typically, a patient will lose weight quickly after the first few months and then the pounds will come off more slowly. It usually takes about 12 to 18 months to achieve maximum weight loss.
As we age, skin elasticity decreases, which can result in excess skin folds after weight loss. The amount of loose skin is variable among individuals.
Some patients will choose to have plastic surgery to remove loose or excess skin after they have lost their excess weight. Insurance generally does not pay for this type of surgery (often seen as elective surgery). However, some do pay for certain types of surgery to remove excess skin when complications arise from these excess skin folds. Ask your surgeon about your need for a skin removal procedure.
Any type of surgery and obesity are risk factors for formation of blood clots — deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). These blood clots can form in the lower extremities (DVT) and travel to the lung (PE). The best way to avoid blood clots is prevention through:
It is important also to be active at home once you are discharged.
Find out more about improving your health through weight-loss surgery by viewing our recorded informational webinar.