Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery)
Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool designed to help you achieve significant, long-term weight loss and improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Dr. Henson specializes in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted bariatric procedures to ensure the safest possible outcomes and a faster recovery.
The Procedures
1. Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is currently the most popular bariatric procedure. During this minimally invasive operation, Dr. Henson removes approximately 80% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a narrow tube (or "sleeve") about the size and shape of a banana.
- How it works: It restricts the amount of food your stomach can hold. More importantly, it removes the portion of the stomach that produces "ghrelin" (the hunger hormone), significantly reducing your appetite.
- Expected Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months.
2. Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Considered the "gold standard" of weight loss surgery, the Gastric Bypass involves creating a small pouch from the top portion of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the first section of the intestine.
- How it works: It provides both restriction (you eat less because the pouch is small) and malabsorption (your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients). It also creates profound metabolic changes that often resolve type 2 diabetes within days of surgery.
- Best for: Patients with severe acid reflux (GERD) or unmanaged type 2 diabetes.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Preparation is the key to a safe surgery and a smooth recovery. Dr. Henson's team will guide you through this process, but here are the crucial final steps before your operation date:
The "Liver-Shrinking" Diet (14 Days Pre-Op)
For two weeks prior to surgery, you will be placed on a strict, low-carbohydrate, high-protein liquid diet (usually 3-4 protein shakes a day plus clear liquids). This is mandatory.
- Why? It depletes the glycogen stores in your liver, causing it to shrink. Because the liver sits directly over the stomach, a smaller liver makes the surgery drastically safer and faster.
The Night Before Surgery
- Nothing by mouth after midnight. This includes water, coffee, mints, and gum. Having anything in your stomach can cause dangerous complications under anesthesia.
- Shower using the special antibacterial soap (Hibiclens) provided by our office to reduce the risk of infection.
Post-Operative Recovery & Diet Phases
Your digestive system needs time to heal. You will progress through a carefully staged diet. Attempting to eat solid food too quickly can stretch your new stomach or cause a leak at the staple line.
Phase 1: Clear Liquids (Days 1-7)
Focus on staying hydrated. Sip constantly, but slowly. Do not use straws, as they introduce air into your stomach and cause painful gas cramps.
- Water, sugar-free Gatorade, broth, sugar-free Jell-O, and decaf tea.
- Goal: 64 ounces of fluid per day.
Phase 2: Full Liquids & Protein (Weeks 2-3)
You will begin incorporating high-quality protein to support healing.
- Protein shakes (minimum 60-80g of protein daily), Greek yogurt (no fruit chunks), strained cream soups, and skim milk.
Phase 3: Pureed & Soft Foods (Weeks 4-6)
Food must be the consistency of baby food or easily mashed with a fork. Chew thoroughly (20-30 times per bite).
- Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, pureed chicken or fish, refried beans.
- Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before a meal, and wait 30 minutes after eating to drink again.
Long-Term Success
Surgery is a tool, but your lifestyle changes drive the results. You must commit to taking bariatric-specific multivitamins for the rest of your life to prevent dangerous nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Henson's team will monitor your progress and lab work at your regular follow-up appointments.