How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss results vary from person to person and the amount of weight you lose is under your own control. After the POSE procedure your stomach will be around 20% smaller and you will no longer have the flexibility to expand your stomach to accommodate more food than you need. The effects of POSE are immediate and compare favourably with the gastric band.
How quickly will I lose weight?
If you continue to try and eat as you did before POSE, you will lose weight slowly over a period of time. However, if you commit yourself to your new lifestyle and eating habits, you will lose weight quickly. The NOSC Support Team will teach you everything you need to know about living with your smaller stomach.
How long does the procedure take?
Around 45 minutes under a general anaesthetic.
How long will it take to recover from the procedure?
Patients typically spend around 6 hours in hospital, returning home on the day of their procedure. Occasionally the surgeon will request a patient to stay overnight in the hospital. The majority of patients return to work the following day. As there are no incisions, it is likely that you will experience a little discomfort but no pain and you should quickly be able to resume normal activities.
Are there any side effects?
Apart from a little discomfort during the first few days, NOSC patients have experienced no side effects at all.
Will I feel hungry?
You will be amazed at how quickly you feel full after eating and because gastric emptying slows after the POSE procedure, you will feel fuller for much longer.
I’ve tried so many diets in the past but always put the weight back on. How is this different?
Diets alone rarely change long-term eating habits. Many people find themselves in a cycle of gaining and losing weight over the years, as they switch from one diet to another. Most people do not have the discipline to maintain a rigorous dietary regime over the long term.
After POSE your feeling of fullness will allow you to take better control of your eating, while your smaller stomach will not allow you to eat as much as you did before. At the same time the NOSC Support Team will be working with you on a regular basis to help you adapt to your new routine and assist you in making your lifestyle changes.
Can I drink alcohol?
An occasional glass of wine or alcoholic beverage is not considered harmful to your weight loss regime. However, alcohol does have a high calorie content and little nutritional value. It also breaks down vitamins.
What can I eat?
During the first four weeks your stomach is in the process of healing and you will follow a diet of blended and soft foods. After this time you can eat anything you choose. However, because you will be eating much less than you did before POSE, it is important to include foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients.
When can I exercise?
You can undertake light exercise after 4 weeks and unlimited exercise after 6 weeks.
What about pregnancy?
Becoming pregnant can become easier as you lose weight. Your POSE procedure is not affected in any other way.
Will anyone know I’ve had POSE?
Only if you want them to! There is very little down time after the procedure and there are no scars to indicate that you have had treatment.
Who are the Support Team and how will they help me?
The NOSC Support Team is a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare specialists who have extensive experience in nutrition and behavioural therapy. You have 24 hour access to the team. They are always on hand to give you as little or as much help as you feel you need. Their knowledge and expertise is invaluable.
