What You Can Expect
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Preparing for gastric bypass surgery
You will go through an extensive screening process to determine if you are mentally and physically ready for the surgical procedure. MeritCare's pre-surgery checklist includes:
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Attend an informational session.
We want you to know as much as possible about gastric bypass surgery before you seriously consider it.
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A documented weight-loss attempt.
In the past year, you must have demonstrated a supervised, documented attempt to lose weight through diet and exercise.
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A mental health evaluation.
In addition to being medically appropriate for gastric bypass surgery, you need to be mentally ready, too. We require a mental health evaluation as preparation for gastric bypass surgery.
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Completed financial arrangements.
If you have health insurance, you should know that insurance companies vary in what they require, but for the most part, they require the patient meet the medical indications for gastric bypass surgery. We will assist you in obtaining insurance confirmation, but please know this sometimes takes time and patience.
If you choose to pay for the surgery yourself, the MeritCare Business Office can help you with your financial questions and arrangements.
Prior to surgery
Depending on which type of gastric bypass surgery your surgeon performs (either open or laparoscopic) you can plan to stay at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo for about five days. At-home recovery typically takes from two to six weeks, so make sure you've made the necessary arrangements to be away from work.
If you are a smoker, you will need to quit before the surgery. This will lessen your risk of developing pneumonia and increase your body's ability to heal. Your nurse will let you know in advance what you need to do the day before surgery, including eating restrictions, laxative instructions and cleansing the area where the incision will be made.Arrange for someone to drive you home after your hospital stay. You should not drive for at least two weeks after your operation. If you are feeling ill with a bad cold or flu right before your scheduled surgery, please call to postpone your procedure until you're feeling better. A preoperative exam will be performed before surgery day to make sure everything is on track. You will enter MeritCare Hospital the morning of your surgery.
Special preparation for patients with extreme cases
Occasionally, in cases of extreme obesity and difficulty breathing, patients may need to lose weight before the procedure. Why? The operation becomes increasingly risky for patients who have a very low oxygen level. If patients don't breathe well after surgery, they don't heal well, and they can develop serious life-threatening complications. We work closely with the patient so that surgery and recovery occur in optimal conditions.