What to Expect

Are you ready to change your life?

Every surgical procedure is different because it is designed to accommodate each patients’ specific needs. That said, all procedures aim to reduce caloric intake while maintaining normal metabolism. The patient’s stomach size is reduced, and after surgery patients are genuinely satisfied with much smaller amounts of food. Patients learn to adjust their eating, promoting slow ingestion and smaller portions. Most surgical procedures (other than the gastric band) create a very rapid weight loss in the first few months, which then slows and stabilizes at 10 to 18 months after surgery.

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Show Us Your Results!

Here are just a few of the positive life changes our patients are reporting:

Improved Lifestyle

• I can cross my legs.
• I have the energy to climb the stairs at my office.
• I sleep so much better at night.
• I’ve earned more points at Wii Fit.
• I’m more comfortable sitting at my desk.
• Bathing is easier.
• I can do so much more on family vacations.
• I felt so much more confident on job interviews.
• I have more fun just hanging out with friends.

Better Health

• Diabetes is 85% resolved after Gastric Bypass
• GERD is 95% resolved after Gastric Bypass
• High blood pressure is 60% resolved
• Cancer risk reduced by 50%
• Improved breathing
• Increased fertility
• Better sex life
• Better sleep from reduced sleep apnea
• Reduced asthma
• Reduced pain and arthritis
• Regain normal length of life and normal quality of life
• Much lower risk of cancer (especially reduced breast cancer and colon cancer)

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How It Works

Step 1: Initial Evaluation
Patients who are interested in surgery begin with a free informational seminar that is taught by one of our surgeons. After the seminar they have a clinic visit with extensive teaching, and our team helps coordinate all the steps needed to get ready for surgery.

Step 2: One Week Before Surgery
About a week before surgery, you’ll come in to New Dimensions for your pre-op testing and a visit with your surgeon. Your doctor will answer any questions you might have, review tests, and ensure that everything is ready for the big day. A member of our staff will also go over the location and time for your surgery and provide information you and your caretaker will need for recovery.

Step 3: The Day of Surgery
Most of the time, patients are not allowed to have food or water after midnight on the night before their surgery. Surgery usually takes between 45-90 minutes, and the length of recovery depends on the procedure. There are generally only 4-6 small incisions. Patients receiving the Gastric Band can usually go home the same day of their surgery. Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve patients are usually in the hospital for 1-3 days, during which they practice drinking liquids for hydration and also do lots of walking to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs (called a Deep Venous Thrombosis, or DVT).

Step 4: After Surgery
After release from the hospital, patients should focus on hydration using low-calorie clear liquids. It is also important to continue walking regularly, since this helps the body return to normal function, increases metabolism and reduces the chance of lung problems or DVT. Patients usually have a post-operative visit with the surgeon at about 2 weeks after surgery to check their progress with healing and to plan diet progression according to their operation.

Step 5: Welcome to the Rest of Your Life
This is an exciting time! Weight loss varies based on the patient and surgery, but most of our patients report major positive changes in their lives. And New Dimensions’ support doesn’t end when your surgery is over. We understand that maintaining your significant weight loss requires additional adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. Our physicians and staff will see you regularly, helping you track your progress and develop strategies for your new lifestyle. In addition, our post-operative support groups allow you to connect with other patients who are going through the same things you are.