Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the surgical procedures, treatments or services that we offer? Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Breast Surgery

Weight-Loss Surgery

Health & Lifestyle

Laparascopic Surgery

  • What is laparoscopic surgery?

    Laparosocpic surgery is done using a video camera to visualize the abdominal cavity and narrow instruments to perform the surgery without making a large incision. The small incisions are called Trocar holes. These incisions heal on their own without external stitches or staples. Subsequently, you will have less pain, a faster recovery and less scarring.

  • Can you really do the same operation laparoscopically?

    Yes. Laparoscopic surgery performs the same operation just using smaller incisions.

  • What are the advantages of laparoscopy?

    Less pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and better cosmesis.

  • Can you really remove things through a tiny incision?

    Some things you can, like the gallbladder and appendix, however sometimes a slightly larger incision is made to remove larger organs.

  • What is the success of laparoscopic surgery?

    Since its inception globally in 1989, laparoscopic surgery has evolved into a very safe and effective alternative to open surgery.

  • What is a general surgeon?

    A general surgeon historically did all types of surgical procedures, but now operates on abdominal diseases, endocrine disorders, breast diseases and soft tissue cancers, such as melanoma.

Breast Surgery

  • How do I know I need to see a breast surgeon?

    If you have an abnormal x-ray, (mammogram, ultrasound or sonogram), your gynecologist or general practioner will refer you to a surgeon for further evaluation. Additionally, you or your doctor, may feel a lump or other abnormality in your breast which may indicate further testing and a visit to a surgeon.

  • How do I know if I need breast surgery?

    When you seen your surgeon for evaluation he will read all of your test results, examine your films and examine your breasts. He will then be able to determine if you need surgery.

  • If I do need surgery, how do I know which procedure is best for me?

    Your surgeon will speak to you in detail regarding which surgical procedure will be best for your specific problem.

  • How and when do I schedule surgery?

    If you do indeed require surgery, our surgical booker will coordinate your surgery with you based on your schedule and which facility will you be having surgery at. Your doctor will tell you in what time frame you should have your surgery.

  • What about scars?

    What procedure you have will determine what type of scars you may have. For example: An excisional biopsy and/or lumpectomy will usually leave a very small scar. A more extensive surgery, such as a total mastectomy, will leave you with a much larger scar. Your physican will give you more detailed information regarding this.

  • What if I need reconstructive surgery?

    If you need a mastectomy, if is very likely you will need and want reconstructive breast surgery. Our doctors work with various plastic surgeons who are highly skilled and experienced with breast reconstruction. The reconstruction is usually done at the time of the mastectomy. The plastic surgeon you choose will speak to you in detail about how the surgery is done and the different options available to you. Reconstructive surgery is usually done when a mastectomy is performed when a woman has breast cancer. Therefore, insurance does usually cover this.

Weight-Loss Surgery

  • Will weight loss surgery absolutely guarantee I lose weight and keep it off forever?

    Although gastric bypass and gastric banding will significantly change the amount of food you can eat at one time, you must still make the correct choices at meal and snack times.

    Gastric bypass surgery should prevent you from eating and drinking foods and beverages with a high fat and/or high sugar content. This is because this is considered a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. If you eat, for example, a piece of chocolate cake, you may experience unpleasant side effects; otherwise known as the dumping syndrome. Most people will lose 50-80% of their excess weight in one year. The year following surgery is the time to learn how to eat again and stick with those new habits for the rest of your life. You should experience some dumping if you eat the ³wrong² foods; however, there are some people who do not dump or who after one year of surgery, are able to eat and drink anything they like without feeling sick. At this point, it is very easy to slip back into bad eating habits and regain some or all of the weight they have lost.

    The gastric banding will give you restriction only. This means you are forced to eat less because the upper portion of your stomach is significantly smaller that it was pre-operatively. If you overeat you will vomit. However, the band does not prevent you from eating and drinking anything with a high fat/sugar content. You must be especially careful to avoid high fat, soft foods such as ice cream and mashed potatoes as well as sugared beverages and excessive alcohol consumption. These foods and drinks will pass very quickly through the band and provide only empty calories. The average weight loss with the band is 40-60% of your excess weight; with a gradual lose of 1-2 pounds per week. This can take 1- 3 years depending on how will you follow the diet and how much you exercise. If four or more weeks go by and you stop losing weight despite following the diet and exercise protocol, you stop losing weight, you may have a lap band adjustment. This will give you more restriction, you will be forced to eat less and your weight loss should then pick up.

    In short, weight loss surgery will allow you eat less and feel full sooner that before surgery. Understand that surgery is only a tool. Managing your food intake is a huge undertaking and will take a full commitment to a complete lifestyle change.

  • Will all of my medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and joint pain go away after surgery?

    After significant weight loss, many health problems do completely go away or are significantly alleviated. However, in some cases weight loss alone is not enough for all of your health problems to go away.

  • Will I be left with hanging skin after I have lost weight and will I need plastic surgery?

    If you lose 70 pounds or more, it is highly likely you will be left with hanging skin. Despite regular exercise, the skin can only go back a certain amount. The majority of people who lose a great deal of weight need some type of plastic surgery. The most common procedure is called a abdominoplasty; when excess skin is removed from the stomach. To achieve the best results, you should only consider plastic surgery after all or most your weight is lost.

  • Is weight loss surgery reversible?

    The gastric bypass is a permanent procedure and can not be easily reversed and will only be reversed if there are severe complications. The lap band can easily be removed if you experience a complication. Your surgeon will speak to you about these complications before your surgery.

  • Will I need to take vitamins or other supplements after surgery?

    Yes. Gastric bypass is a restrictive/malabsorptive procedure. This means your body can not absorb vitamins and minerals the same as it did before surgery. The most common deficiencies are iron and vitamin B12, which rely on the bypassed portion of the stomach to be absorbed. The dietician will advise you as to the type of supplements you must take for the rest of your life. Your surgeon will send you for blood tests periodically to check for deficiencies. It may be necessary for you to take extra vitamins and supplements.

    The gastric band is purely a restrictive procedure. Most patients do not experience any vitamin/mineral deficiences after this surgery. However, you are required to take multi-vitamins daily because you will be consuming a small amount of food. You will be sent for blood work periodically to check for any deficiencies.

  • Will I be able to take my regular medications and swallow pills of any size after surgery?

    If you need to take medication on a regular basis, before your surgery, you must speak with your pharmacist or prescribing doctors which of your medications can be cut, crushed or given to you in a liquid form. Please prepare well ahead of your surgery, so your medications will be ready when you get home from the hospital. You will not be able to take large pills after surgery as they may get stuck. Usually, if a pill is smaller than the size of your pinky nail, you may swallow it.

Health & Lifestyle

  • Can I avoid surgery even if my doctor indicates it is necessary?

    It depends. If you have a lump in your breast, symptomatic gallbladder disease, consistent pain because of a hernia- deciding to not have surgery can put your health at great risk. Sometimes, an individual may have a surgical problem that is an immediate problem and can wait for surgery. Speak with your doctor about the risks, complications and alternatives to surgery before making a definite decision.

  • If I don't have a surgical problem now, is something I can do to avoid surgery in the future?

    Living a healthy lifestyle including; eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, abstaining for tobacco use and maintaining a healthy weight can help avoid certain cancers and diseases of the breast and colon. However, you may become ill through no fault of your own or because of family history.

  • If I do opt to have surgery is there a guarantee I will not need surgery again in the future?

    There is never a guarantee that someone will not need surgery again for a previous condition. If your gallbladder is removed due to gallstones, then you would never need that surgery again since you don't have a gallbladder. Alternately, if you have a hernia or breast surgery there is no guarantee you will not need surgery again due to a recurrence of these conditions.

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North Shore Surgical Specialists

310 East Shore Road
Suite 203
Great Neck, NY 11023

Tel: (516) 482-8657
Fax: (516) 829-0002



Additional Information

The following overviews (PDF) cover much more questions: