AZ Groeninge Kortrijk
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much weight will I lose after surgery?
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After a primary gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, an excess weight loss of approximately 60-80% is expected during the first year and a half after surgery. Excess weight loss refers to the excess weight, which is calculated by subtracting the ideal weight (weight to obtain a BMI of 25) from the pre-operative weight. However, weight loss can vary greatly from person to person. Adequate postoperative follow-up plays an important role in this. Excessive loss of muscle mass can lead to extensive weight loss in the first year, but this should be avoided at all costs. Preserving muscle mass plays an important role in the long-term result, not only with regard to a stable weight, but also with regard to quality of life.
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What about excess skin?
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The extent to which there will be excess skin after the operation depends from person to person. The original fat distribution, the total weight loss and whether or not muscle mass is retained after surgery play an important role in this. If desired, an appointment with the plastic surgery department can always be scheduled prior to obesity surgery in order to discuss the options in this regard.
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When and which vitamins should I take?
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Classically, a multivitamin preparation is started from the first surgical postoperative check-up, approximately 3 weeks after surgery. Not every available brand of multivitamin supplements meets the medical requirements in this regard and is therefore best discussed with your doctor. While these multivitamin supplements are highly effective, isolated deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral can occur in the months or years following obesity surgery. A regular blood test according to the proposed schedule is therefore definitely recommended.
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How long should I be followed up after obesity surgery?
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Follow-up in the first two years after surgery is strongly recommended according to the proposed schedule as it improves long-term results. Lifelong follow-up (at least 1x/year) is also recommended after the first two years in order to be able to intervene early in the event of weight gain. This long-term follow-up can be scheduled via the GP with referral to our center in case of problems.
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Can I still go to a restaurant after weight loss surgery?
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Patients can certainly still go out to a restaurant after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. After weight loss surgery, patients should not have to compromise on their social activities, on the contrary. Of course, restaurant visits should be organised differently, with attention to making healthy choices, among other things. For more advice on this subject, contact your dietician.
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Can I still drink alcohol after weight loss surgery?
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Alcohol after weight loss surgery is certainly possible, but in moderation. Several studies have shown that patients are more likely to develop an alcohol addiction after weight loss surgery. On the one hand, alcohol is easily absorbed after surgery and remains longer in the blood circulation, on the other hand, there is also a greater 'rewarding effect' of alcohol after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. This aspect is always thoroughly discussed and evaluated pre-operatively. Postoperative lifetime self-assessment of alcohol consumption and early help-seeking in case of increasing alcohol consumption are very important.
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What is dumping?
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Both early and late dumping are phenomena frequently seen after bariatric surgery, usually after a gastric bypass procedure.
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Early dumping
Early dumping occurs about 10 to 30 minutes after a meal and may be accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, general malaise, bloating, nausea, vomiting, salivation, fatigue and low blood pressure. It is generally assumed that early dumping occurs because food entering the small intestine draws in water through the intestinal wall (hyperosmolarity), but an excessive release of intestinal peptides is also thought to be responsible for this. Early dumping is more often seen when ingesting fast sugars and fat or when eating fast and chewing insufficiently. Dumping can also occur when food and drinks are not separated. An important part of the nutritional advice that is discussed with you by the dietitian is aimed at avoiding these dumping complaints:​
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Take enough time to eat
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Chew long enough
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Get enough fiber and protein
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Keep food and drinks separate (don't drink from 20 minutes before the meal to 20 minutes after the meal)
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Avoid fast sugars and fats.
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In the vast majority of cases, dumping symptoms can be avoided by correctly following this advice. Only in a very small minority is additional medication indicated for this purpose.
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Late dumping
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Late dumping occurs about 1 to 3 hours after a meal and is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, weakness, sweating, trembling and hunger. Late dumping is caused by reactive hypoglycemia (too low sugar levels in the blood). The prevention and treatment of late dumping actually includes the same nutritional advice as for early dumping. Although it is often assumed that fast sugars (cola, candy, cookies, sugar,...) should be taken to treat late dumping, this is a wrong assumption. Although these fast sugars will initially bring improvement, they can also trigger a new reactive hypoglycemia, which creates a vicious circle. If, despite following the dietary advice, a late dumping occurs, it is best treated by eating longer acting carbohydrates (such as brown bread, for example).
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In the case of late dumping, drug therapy is only necessary in an absolute minority of cases if all dietary recommendations are followed adequately.
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Can I stop my diabetes and/or blood pressure medication myself?
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Although a beneficial effect on the sugar level and/or blood pressure can indeed be quickly observed after a weight loss operation, this medication should only be stopped after consultation with the general practitioner or treating endocrinologist. During the postoperative follow-up, it is regularly evaluated whether certain medication can be stopped.
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Do I have to pay for the operation myself?
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In order to be eligible for weight loss surgery, a number of conditions must be met. These conditions correspond to the reimbursement criteria that apply in Belgium with regard to bariatric surgery. If the reimbursement criteria are met, the majority of the operation will be reimbursed by the health insurance company. The remaining amount is in most cases reimbursed by the hospitalization insurance but may differ depending on your insurance company. For more details, please check your insurance policy or contact your insurance company.
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