General Questions

Is there an age limit for surgery?

Not really. Oregon Weight Loss Surgery evaluates each application on an individual basis.  After this evaluation, if Dr. Patterson feels the patient is an acceptable operative risk, the patient will be accepted, regardless of age. The FDA is currently looking into approving the gastric banding surgery for adolescents; this should be decided by the end of 2010 or early 2011.

How fast is the process from the information session to surgery?

This can vary greatly depending on a person’s individual insurance requirements.  It can take anywhere from 2-6 months, to complete the required work up, meet with the surgeon, and obtain the insurance authorization. This process could require between 3 and 5 trips to the Portland area.

Can I eat around the surgery and fail?

Yes. It is important to remember that there are no guarantees in any kind of medicine or surgery.  Weight loss surgery will succeed only if you make a lifelong commitment.  Surgery is only a tool.  Your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

How long is recovery?

How quickly you return to work will vary according to:

a) Your physical conditions

b) The nature of the work you do (i.e. desk job vs. construction work)

c) The type of weight loss surgery you had.  Most patients are able to return to work within one week (sedentary jobs), but it can be up to six weeks if your job is physically demanding.

Will having weight loss surgery mean I can eat anything and not exercise?

No. Surgery should be the beginning of a new, healthy lifestyle that includes eating small portions of healthy foods and exercising. Surgery provides a tool for weight loss with a lifetime commitment to change.