Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Bariatric surgery is the most effective tool available for people struggling with obesity and trying to lose weight.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is the most effective tool available for people struggling with obesity and trying to lose weight. Losing weight is not just about a smaller number on the scale. It is about improving your health and enjoying a more fulfilling life. If you have tried diets without success and still need to lose a major amount of weight, bariatric surgery may be an option for you. It is a powerful tool, but it requires a holistic approach that includes your preparation, commitment, and ongoing lifestyle changes to achieve long-term success. If bariatric surgery is something you have considered or want to learn more about, it is important to understand the process. Before, during, and after surgery.

Before

The first step in deciding if surgery is a good fit is to think about if you are physically and mentally ready for the lifestyle changes that surgery brings. You may be a good candidate if you are an adult with obesity and your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or above. You may also qualify if you have a BMI between 35-40 with at least one significant weight-related condition. These include Type 2 Diabetes or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We encourage you to research and learn as much as possible about weight loss surgery before deciding. Your primary care doctor can be a great resource to explore your options and help connect you to a bariatric program. You also have the option to submit a self-referral in pursuit of bariatric surgery.

Calculate your BMI.

For our program, we require that you:

• Must be at least 21 years old. Most bariatric patients are between 21-65 years of age.
• Must not be drug or alcohol dependent. Those with a history of substance abuse must be sober a minimum of 12 months.
• Be a non-smoker, including no vaping or use of nicotine products. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit 30 days before your initial consult visit and you should expect to be nicotine tested throughout the program.
• Have no history of uncontrolled or untreated psychiatric or eating disorders. This includes no recent psychiatric hospitalizations or major psychiatric medication changes within past 6-12 months.
• Must be willing to make an ongoing commitment to return to the office for regular follow-up appointments and continue to implement the recommended nutrition, exercise, and medication changes.

Once our clinic receives your referral, we will work with you to determine if your insurance has benefits for bariatric surgery and if you meet both insurance and program criteria.

Take this assessment to find out if you're a candidate for Bariatric weight loss surgery. Please note, you must be 21 years of age or older to qualify for the Saint Alphonsus bariatric surgery program.

During our Bariatric Surgery Program

The Saint Alphonsus Bariatric Program is composed of a multidisciplinary team of experts. They will work closely to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals. Our six-month long program consists of monthly medically supervised weight-loss visits. You will undergo thorough preoperative evaluations, including blood tests, imaging, and psychological assessments. You will receive detailed instructions on dietary changes, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications needed before surgery. Following these guidelines is crucial to developing the skills and discipline you need to ensure long-term success. Our aim is to individualize each patients’ experience and tailor our recommendations to your lifestyle. We work with our patients to focus on mindset changes as bariatric surgery is not only a physical journey but also a mental and emotional one. It is essential to address any underlying emotional issues related to eating and obesity before the surgery. Many individuals find counseling or support groups helpful in preparing mentally for the challenges ahead.

What sets our program apart:

• Consistent contact with surgical team and staff for entire six-month program before surgery.
• One on one appointments with registered dietitians before and after surgery.
• Freedom from unrealistic expectations and diet plans.

Life After Surgery

Surgery is only one step in your weight loss journey. Generally, patients can expect to spend one night in the hospital prior to discharge. The length of hospital stay varies depending on individual recovery progress. After surgery your diet will progress gradually through three stages. Initially you will likely feel very little hunger. Your focus will be adequate fluid and protein consumption. You will start by drinking liquids, then add in soft foods, and eventually return to solid foods over the course of the first 1-2 months after surgery. It is important you are committed to following the specific dietary guidelines to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Once your body has begun to recover you will work with your surgical team and dietitian to determine an eating plan. You will eat smaller portions and fewer calories than before surgery. You may not be able to tolerate some foods after surgery. Our team will recommend that you begin re-engaging in regular physical activity. A combination of both cardiovascular and resistance training exercises will be essential for continued weight loss, overall health, and muscle maintenance.

Regular follow up appointments with your team are important. These visits will assist with monitoring your progress and aid in navigating and maintaining your new lifestyle. We pride ourselves on maintaining a judgement free environment for our patients. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss, but it is not a “quick fix”. To achieve lasting success, creating healthier habits including mindful eating, regular exercise, and stress/sleep management is vital.

Ongoing Support and Support Groups

The Saint Alphonsus Bariatric Program offers various support group options to help our patients adjust to the changes in lifestyle that come with bariatric surgery. Attending support groups can increase your chances of maintaining weight loss long-term. Our patients can attend monthly in person cooking demonstration classes, virtual support groups, and join our Facebook support group. These groups are offered to both patients who have undergone bariatric surgery as well as individuals considering bariatric surgery. This is a lifelong benefit of our surgical patients.

The Saint Alphonsus weight-loss surgery program will provide you with comprehensive support and education before, during, and after surgery and for the rest of your life. Click here to learn more about the program.

Alyson Nielsen, RDN, LD is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator at Saint Alphonsus.