FAQ

If you have questions, we have answers. Below is a list of the most common questions we receive at CFWLS regarding surgical weight loss and medical weight loss. You should find them helpful. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Cat Williamson our Medical Office Manager at (757) 873-1880 or cat@cfwls.com

What are your office hours of operation?
Hours of Operation (all EST):
Monday 9am-5pm
Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-12pm
Additional Personal Training sessions and Clinician Visits available by appointment.

General Questions – Surgical Weight loss

• How much weight will I lose?
  Weight loss varies depending upon the surgical procedure, your pre-operative weight and your commitment to following the diet/exercise recommendations after surgery. On an average, people lose approximately 75% of what they were overweight. (i.e. if you were 100 pounds over your ideal body weight, you would lose an average of 75 pounds – if you were 200 pounds over your ideal body weight, you would lose an average of 150 pounds).
• How long will I need for recovery from surgery?
  Most patients completely recover from surgery in six (6) weeks. However, most patients return to work somewhere around 1-4 weeks after surgery. If you have a non-strenuous job (no lifting greater than 10-15 pounds), you may be able to return to work at 1-2 weeks. During the first few months after surgery, you will find that your body uses a great deal of energy for the healing process. This means that there is not a lot of energy “left over” for other activities. You will have days when you seem to have more energy and others when you seem to tire easily. When you feel tired, take time to rest. However, the more you can do the better. Be sure to listen to your body and use common sense.
• Will this surgery allow me to eat anything and avoid exercise while I am losing weight?
  No!!! Surgery is only a tool, and the beginning of a new process and new life. After surgery you will need to follow a progressive diet that is low in fat and sugar. Diet and exercise is still how weight loss/weight control is accomplished. You must commit to a change in your dietary habits and an exercise regime for maximum success.

POST-OPERATIVE QUESTIONS

• What diet will I follow after surgery?
  Please refer to your Weight Management University for Surgery™ curriculum for specific diet information. You will be on a liquid diet for the first 14 days. For the next 2-4 weeks, you will be on a Soft/Puree Diet and then after that (essentially 6 weeks after surgery and beyond), you will follow a regular diet that is low in fat and low in sugar. Remember that when you begin solid food, you will want to avoid breads, pasta and high calorie liquids. When you eat any meal, THINK PROTEIN FIRST (i.e. eat whatever is on your plate that is protein first). If you have specific questions after surgery, the nurse from the office can help to answer your questions.
• Is hair loss common?
  Yes. Any time you go through rapid weight loss, you can experience hair loss. This is generally a problem noticed from around 3 months to one year after surgery. This is temporary and varies from one person to another. The hair typically comes back fuller and richer than before. Some additional things you can do is increasing your protein intake, making sure you are taking two complete vitamins daily, and taking Essential Fatty Acids. In addition, some patients find it helpful to use special shampoos available at the drug store for hair loss.
• How soon can I have sex after surgery?
  You may resume sexual activity when you’re comfortable. This is usually about 2-3 weeks after surgery.
• When can I go swimming or take a bath?
  The skin incision needs to be sealed prior to going swimming or soaking in a tub. This is usually 2 weeks after surgery. Showering is fine – just put your back to the stream of water so that it is not directly spraying on your incision.
• Are there medicines I should avoid after surgery?
  Any medications that irritate the stomach should be avoided. Some anti-inflammatory medications (non-steroidals such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve etc) may irritate the stomach. This doesn’t mean you can’t take them – just be careful.
• How long will I take my prescribed antacid medication?
  You will continue to take it as prescribed for the first two (2) months after surgery. After that point, you can take it as needed.
• Is there anything I can do to prevent hanging skin after weight loss?
  Exercise can certainly help! However, if you lose an excessive amount of weight, more than likely you will have some excess skin. Some patients opt for plastic surgery to correct this problem but it is truly a personal decision. Should you desire removal of excess skin, we recommend you wait until your weight is beginning to stabilize (usually about 1 year after surgery).
• Can women get pregnant and have children after this surgery?
  Yes, as long as there are no other fertility problems. In fact, weight loss is a treatment for infertility. It is recommended that patients who undergo weight loss surgery wait one (1) year after surgery to get pregnant.
• Why do some patients experience depression after surgery?
  Depression is a complex biological event, which can be triggered by surgery. In addition, weight loss can trigger some chemical and hormonal imbalances leading to depression. Often patients have an established relationship with a psychologist or psychiatrist prior to surgery. Some patients will need medication for depression, or those who are on it may need an alternative medication. The important thing is to talk about your feelings and seek help if necessary.
• Is the surgery reversible?
  Some are and some are not. The Sleeve Gatrectomy is no reversible, but both the Adjustable Gastric Band and the Banded Gastric Bypass technically are reversible. However, the surgery needs to be thought of as a permanent operation.
• Will I ever regain my weight and does anybody not lose weight after weight loss surgery?
  The operation is a tool which controls your weight by requiring a modification in your dietary intake. If you do not use it correctly, you can regain the weight you have lost. The three common culprits to poor weight loss or weight regain are: 1) not exercising; 2) drinking high calorie liquids; and 3) grazing on high carbohydrate foods (eating little bits throughout the day). Some people do not lose enough weight. It is still diet/exercise that makes this work. You are the only one who controls this.

General Questions – Medical Weight loss

Have you ever tried finding a good weight loss coach and then had to search for a good personal trainer? At Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success, we cover all of your weight management and fitness needs in one place. We have put together all the important components of a successful weight loss program so you can finally lose your unwanted weight, feel great and experience long-term weight management success.

As a medical weight loss office under the direction of Dr. Thomas W. Clark, we will identify any underlying problems that might be preventing you from successful weight loss and help you take the necessary steps to get you on the right track. By combining our team of weight loss experts and our comprehensive Weight Management University curriculum, you have the recipe for success so that you can finally say…I never need to worry about weight again!

• How much weight am I going to lose?
  The answer to this question depends upon a number of factors such as your medical history, how overweight you are, your activity level and your willingness to make a commitment to the program. We can provide you with the education, support and revolutionary concepts that result in weight loss, but you must be willing to make the necessary changes. Believe in yourself…you can do it and the experts at CFWLS want to help you fulfill your dreams!
• Who will I see during my visits to CFWLS?
  Your individualized weight loss plan will incorporate visits with Dr. Clark and our qualified clinicians. You will meet with one of our professionals on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• What are the key phases of a weight management program?
  The key phases include:
  Weight Loss Phase:
  This phase involves steady weight loss until your goal is reached.

Stabilization Phase:
This is a transitional phase between weight loss and maintenance. During this phase you will learn to slowly add more food and apply principles that you have learned during the weight loss phase.

Maintenance Phase:
It is important to monitor yourself regularly and seek assistance as necessary rather than becoming depressed and regaining weight during difficult periods of time. This phase follows stabilization and is probably the most challenging of all three phases. It is important to monitor yourself regularly throughout the maintenance phase so that your weight doesn’t creep back. At CFWLS, we are always here to support and help you during this phase so that you can continue to apply all of the skills you learned during weight loss and stabilization. We also have maintenance programs that can assist you to stay on track.

At Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success, we are committed to giving you all the tools and resources you need to achieve your weight loss goals. We will never stop looking for solutions that will help you succeed. You matter to us!

• Am I a good candidate for appetite suppressants?
  We prescribe appetite suppressants for patients as deemed medically appropriate. Appetite suppressants are often a helpful addition to your program once your medical situation has been evaluated.
• What’s the difference between B-12 injections and B-Complex injections, and what does this injection do for me?
  B-vitamins are often referred to as your “energy” vitamins. B-12 is the best known, but all the B-vitamins are important. B-Complex includes a combination of all of the B-vitamins so it may be even more effective. Many people find that B-12 or B-Complex improves their overall energy level and improves their weight loss efforts.
• Why is protein so important?
  Quality protein intake is extremely important during a weight loss program to protect against loss of lean body mass. During calorie restriction, our bodies will burn lean body mass trying to protect its fatty stores for a “future famine”. If lean body mass is lost during weight loss, then our basal metabolism slows down. This makes it harder to keep losing weight as well as keeping the weight off. The only way to protect lean body mass is getting in appropriate protein spread throughout the day and exercising our muscles.
• Why are vitamins important?
  Vitamins are very important. They are used by the body as co-factors in various metabolic reactions and can greatly influence many medical problems and how we feel. The typical American diet does NOT provide adequate amounts of useful vitamins and minerals, and supplementation is almost always recommended.
• Should I purchase my vitamins and supplements from the Center for Weight Loss Success?
  All of the vitamin supplements and food based supplements which are provided by Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success are manufactured specifically for the best possible absorption and weight loss. We only use pharmaceutical grade vitamins and mineral supplements which guarantees the quality content of the products.