Preparing for Bariatric Surgery – What to expect before, during and after the procedure

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery – What to expect before, during and after the procedure

Long-term obesity can be life-threatening and can lead to many health issues. As per the WHO report, in 2022, more than 1 billion people worldwide were living with obesity, which is about 1 in 8 people. For those who have not had much success with alternative weight loss choices, including diet, exercise or medication, bariatric surgery offers a surgical solution for obese and morbidly obese individuals.

Before we discuss Bariatric surgery in detail, it is essential to remember that it is just a tool and not a permanent cure for obesity. Therefore, one should be mindful of how to reap the benefits of bariatric surgery and take proper care afterwards.

What to Expect Before Bariatric Surgery

Opting for Bariatric surgery is a critical decision, as it is a major procedure with potential health risks to be considered. Thus, it is essential to undergo a series of interviews, consultations, and evaluations to decide whether it is the right decision for you.


Below are some of the evaluation criteria for the Bariatric surgery:

• BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or greater.
• Individuals with a BMI of 30 – 40 with at least any serious medical condition.
• Not addicted to drugs or alcohol, and must be willing to abstain.
• Not smoking three months before the surgery and giving it up forever.
• They should be committed to a healthy lifestyle and follow the proper nutrition, exercise, medication, and recommended aftercare.
• Inclined to join face-to-face or online support groups or counselling.
• Willing and committed to the follow-up appointments to track the condition.

While you opt for Bariatric surgery, you should look at some steps that help in a long-term commitment to a fit life, such as learning about nutrition, committing to a weight loss diet plan, exercising regularly, undertaking a mental health assessment, medical examinations, adoptive positive behaviours such as proper sleep, water intake, managed stress. When prepared with these, check your insurance ligibility; some plans may cover it partially. You will also be required to produce complete documentation, including proof that your weight loss methods were unsuccessful. Undergoing pre-surgery anaesthesia preparation is also critical before BS because some risk factors associated with excess weight can affect how anaesthesia is administered. Thus, airway management and accessing veins should be discussed to obtain a good intravenous (IV) line if required.

What to Expect During Bariatric Surgery

Pre-operative tests and clearances are required just before the surgery. These may include a sleep study, EKG, chest X-ray, lab work, and consultation with an anesthesiologist. At Apollo Hospitals, we offer a range of tests required to track your recovery process.

You’ll arrive at the hospital and be registered on the day of your two-hour bariatric surgery. The two most popular types of bariatric surgery are sleeve gastrectomy, which shrinks the stomach to a small pouch, and gastric bypass, which combines restrictive and alabsorptive components.

At Apollo Hospitals, our patients are our utmost priority, and we are committed to providing them with the best treatment available. Bariatric surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure resulting in less discomfort, shorter recovery, and fewer complications. Small incisions and sophisticated devices are used to accomplish the surgery.

After the surgery is successful, you will be moved to a recovery room, where your vitals and healing will be monitored. You’ll be ischarged once you’ve adapted to your liquid diet, are walking adequately, and your lab results are normal. Solid food is not given to the patient and will be avoided for a day or two to give your stomach and digestive system time to heal from the surgery. Hospitalisation post-surgery is usually two days, after which you are cleared to go home.

What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery

During your first week at home, you will be encouraged to stroll around frequently and avoid intense activities. You must drink fluids throughout the day based on your diet, as the postoperative diet plan advises. You must stick to your new postoperative diet plan to ensure your safety and success. The diet starts with liquids only, progresses to pureed and soft meals, and finally to ordinary foods. You may be subject to several restrictions or limitations regarding how much and what you can eat and drink.

Weight loss surgery is just the initial step in your weight loss transformation. Post-surgery, you need to be committed to a healthy and active lifestyle to sustain the surgery results. You’ll have regular follow-up consultations with your medical and nutrition teams to track your progress and obtain assistance maintaining your new lifestyle.

For the first few weeks after surgery, you will have minimal appetite and will eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to allow your new stomach and digestive system to repair. Once your body has begun to recuperate, you will begin to follow the new food plan you developed with your nutritionist. You’ll consume smaller portions with fewer calories. You cannot consume certain items you previously consumed, like high-calorie soda.

Joining Support Groups

Support groups help you deal with the psychological impact of weight loss and surgery. Talking about how you feel with people having similar experiences is proven to help in recovery, and sustainable results are created as a form of accountability.

Contact us at Apollo Hospitals to start your journey towards a healthy life!

Statistics and reference links:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
https://www.rsfh.com/bariatric-surgery/patient-information/surgical-process/