For Patients & Customers

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Alexius Weight Loss Surgery

Q: Is weight loss surgery reversible?
A: Gastric Bypass – No. Lap Band – Yes. Sleeve Gastrectomy – No.

Q: Is there guaranteed success?
A: No. These surgeries can be defeated by falling back into old patterns.

Q: Will you take my gallbladder out when you do my surgery?
A: No. We do not remove healthy gallbladders. If you have evidence of stones or disease it will be removed.

Q: What are the age limits for these surgery?
A: 18 is the youngest. Patients as old as 65 have had these surgeries, however, all patients are individually considered.

Q: When can I go back to work?
A: Based on the individual, procedure and type of work you do.

Q: When can I drive?
A: When off of narcotic pain medication.

Q: When can I exercise?
A: Walking is recommended in moderation immediately after surgery. 4-6 weeks for more intense exercise depending on which surgery you choose.

Q: Can I drink alcohol?
A: We don’t encourage alcohol consumption due to carbonation and intake of empty calories.

Q: Am I going to have loose skin after I lose weight?
A: Probably. Reconstructive surgery to correct this is usually covered by insurance if you lose 100 pounds or more.

For more information, call the Surgical Weight Loss Clinical Coordinator at (701) 530-6330 or 1-800-472-2113 ext. 6330.

Surgical Weight Loss Support Group – Click for information.

Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) l Mission Statement l Our Team l Frequently Asked Questions About St. Alexius Weight Loss Surgery l Qualifications and Eligibility l Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding l Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery l Sleeve Gastrectomy