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Bariatric surgery is a serious procedure and the patient’s approach to recovery must be taken seriously. Patients learn pre-op that bariatric surgery is not a “magic pill.” While the surgery certainly makes weight loss a lot easier, the lifestyle and eating habits after surgery must change in order for sustained, lasting weight loss to occur. What Happens Immediately After Surgery Bariatric surgery is most often a laparoscopic operation, meaning that the surgeon does not need to make large incisions. The nature of laparoscopic surgery results in much shorter recovery time for the patient. Most bariatric surgery patients will need to remain in the hospital for two or three days so that the medical team can monitor the patient’s recovery. After that, the patient can usually go home for further recovery. In some rare circumstances, the surgery is “open” meaning that the surgeon cannot do the procedure as a laparoscopic operation. This type of surgery will require a longer hospitalization period and longer recovery time. With the more common laparoscopic operation, however, the patient can usually resume normal activity in about three to five weeks after the surgery. The First Two Weeks The first two weeks after surgery, you’ll be put on a liquid diet. No solid foods, caffeine or carbonated drinks are allowed at all. The two-week diet will consist of things like meat or vegetable broth, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free puddings and protein-rich meal replacement shakes. In this second phase, you will be mostly confined to bed rest. This gives your body’s internal organs a chance to recover without added stress from movement. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids during this phase as well as all the other phases. The Next Weeks The third week begins the second phase of recovery from bariatric surgery. On the third week, pending your doctor’s approval, you may move onto soft solids such as avocados, bananas, melon, coddled eggs or oatmeal. Your doctor will give you a list of allowed foods, which you should strictly adhere to. During this second phase of your recovery from bariatric surgery, you will probably be advised to continue with the protein-rich shakes and meal replacements. This stage of soft foods will last for about four weeks. At this point, your doctor will likely encourage you to begin light exercise. The best forms are walking and gentle swimming if you have a pool available to you. In the final stages of your recovery, you’ll be able to resume normal activity, including going back to work, exercising normally and eating solid foods. It’s important to remember that your diet can never go back to what it was before you had surgery. Lifestyle and diet changes are integral to the success of your bariatric surgery long-term.

Gaining weight didn't happen overnight and the things that caused the weight gain won't be eliminated once bariatric surgery has been performed — there will always be more work to do to stay healthy. Weight loss is a life-long process, even if you made the choice to receive a bariatric procedure. In order for bariatric surgery to be a success, you need to be willing to curb the habits that caused you to gain the weight in the first place. Other eligibility factors While obesity is the most common reason for bariatric procedures, you may be eligible if you're are at least 100 pounds overweight with a BMI of 40 or greater. If your BMI is greater than 35 and you have been diagnosed with diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, or upper respiratory disorders, you may also qualify for a procedure. People who have tried multiple weight loss treatments and/or diets without significant weight loss are also eligible, especially if their weight is causing other health concerns. In these cases, your health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of a bariatric procedure. It's not a cure, it's a solution Bariatric surgery is not a cure. It won't keep you from gaining weight in the future; only you can do that. While the choice for bariatric surgery is yours, it is never going to be a one-stop solution to weight gain. Once you have taken that first step, the rest of the journey is yours to travel. The only permanent cure for obesity is positive lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of rest. Weight loss is still up to you If you want to lose weight, most of the motivation and commitment comes from you. With the use of bariatric vitamins and meal replacements, you can begin to alter your diet to include healthier choices. Step by step, changing your diet and including more exercise are the methods you will use to gradually regain your health. Healthy Dieting and Long-Term Results As part of your healthy diet, you can include high-protein cereal, protein chips, and ostrim snacks. These foods will give you more of the nutrients you need without the extra calories. While bariatric surgery will allow you to shed unwanted pounds, you will still need to get the nutrients and vitamins your body requires to stay healthy. Meal replacements and bariatric vitamins will help. As the weight starts to come off and it is easier to exercise, becoming more active will also speed up the weight loss process. Bariatric procedures are effective tools for individuals who want and need to lose weight, but they are not cures. If you have made the decision to have a life-saving procedure, then it is up to you to make sure it counts. Take control of your weight and follow your doctor's orders. Do what you need to do to be healthy!