vomiting, watery stools, difficulty breathing without a respirator, back pain, numbness, nerve and muscle injuries, difficulty passing urine, outlet obstruction, drainage from wound, wound dehiscence, bed ulcers and bowel obstruction.

The Fobi Pouch is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a band. (see diagram 2). The scientific name for The Fobi Pouch is the Vertically Transected, Silastic Ring Banded, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with the Gastrostomy and the Gastrostomy Site Marker (TSRBVGB).

Yes, there are more than two hundred and fifty (250) surgeons who have visited and observed Dr. Fobi perform surgery and have learned how to do the FOBI POUCH GASTRIC BYPASS. There are others who perform similar surgeries, but not exactly as described by Dr. Fobi and are having equally good results. You may call the Center for referral. Yes.

Most surgeons when asked this question by their patients will assure the patient that the RNY gastric bypass or duodenal switch (like earlier surgeries i.e. the stomach stapling - gastroplasty or the intestinal bypass) is reversible. However those seeking reversal sometimes found out differently. One four month post op patient whose body reacted poorly to the surgery rendering her bedfast, sought reversal from several surgeons.

Open Gastric Bypass is performed through a larger incision and abdominal wall retractors to create space to work. By reducing the size of the surgical incision and the trauma associated with the operative exposure, the surgical insult has been shown to be much less after laparoscopic surgery compared to open Gastric Bypass. A limitation of the laparoscopic approach is the steep learning curve of this technically challenging procedure for the surgeon.

Many obese women of childbearing age do not have menstrual periods, a condition known as amenorrhea, and thus, are unable to become pregnant. After the surgery and subsequent weight loss, regular menstrual cycles typically resume. Barring other fertility-related problems, these women are able to become pregnant. However, it is not advisable to attempt a pregnancy until 18 months after the surgery. Before then, the rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus.

WLS is a major surgical process and may have short and long term complications. The mortality rate of WLS is less than 1%. In the immediae post operative period the major complications may include blood clots forming in the legs and traveling to the lungs or a leak at the junction of the new stomach and the small intestine.

Many studies done by experienced laparoscopic bariatric surgeons have demonstrated laparoscopic gastric bypass to be safe. A study done by Dr. Oliak (see Description of Surgeries section) demonstrated the importance of surgeon experience. He found complication rates to be significantly higher during the "learning curve" for laparoscopic gastric bypass. Complication rates stabilize at a low rate after a surgeon completes approximately 75 laparoscopic gastric bypass operations.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is accomplished with 5 small incisions rather than one long incision. A camera is placed through one of the incisions and long instruments through the others. The operation is performed while watching a video screen. The actual operation on the stomach and intestine is the same with both approaches.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass results in a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less scarring, and a quicker return to usual activities. Complications such as wound infections and wound hernias are nearly eliminated with the laparoscopic approach. The risk for serious complications (such as leak) is similar with both laparoscopic and open gastric bypass.

Possible short term complications include bleeding and infection. Although rare in parotid surgery, some patients may develop a thick scar or keloid.  . In some patients, a depression or a "dent" occurs at the site of the removed tumor. Many patients experience numbness of the earlobe and outer edge of the ear after parotid surgery. This generally resolves slowly over time.

It is 90% effective with greater than 50% excess weight loss that is maintained for more than five (5) years of follow up.

The risk for post-operative complications is very, very low. Of course it exists,, but so does being hit by a car while crossing the street. The most important thing is not really the surgery itself. This is very straight forward and simple. The factor determining final outcome is the patient compliance. The patient has to work with the band, listen to it and behave accordingly . Patients who fight the band are not doing as well as those who are compliant.

Gastric bypass patients must be willing to subscribe to life-long medical monitoring, adhere to significantly modified eating habits and take long-term vitamin and mineral supplements to overcome the micro-nutrient deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

The unused part of the stomach remains in place. Although not used, its ability to function remains intact.

Gastric bypass surgery provides an effective tool to limit the amount of food eaten and to change how food calories are absorbed. It must be understood that the surgery is not magic: it works with you, not for you. By working consistantly to make appropriate food choices and behavioral changes, a successful, long-term health impact is possible.

The LAP-BAND® System is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a small upper stomach pouch that prevents a patient from eating excessively. It is only a restrictive device (not a malabsorptive one), and can be adjusted and/or removed, if necessary. The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically on an outpatient basis, so our patients go home the same day as surgery in most cases.

ObesityCare.com's mission is to provide information about severe obesity and the treatment there of. Our service is informational only. To find a doctor who can do your gastric bypass surgery or lap band procedure, we recommend using ObesityDirectory.com. It is a nation wide directory (United States) and all of the bariatric surgeons listed are members of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

New evaluation appointments are usually booked 4-8 months in advance. Once a patient is seen, if the surgeon and patient agree it is appropriate, the operation can usually be scheduled within 8 weeks. Why so long? There is more need for weight loss surgery than there are qualified bariatric surgeons.One of the obstacles at CCS has been working with our patients to get insurance approval.