How often do I need to follow up?

We believe committing to your follow-up appointments is the key to your success! We start off seeing you back in the first week post-procedure. We then schedule monthly appointments with our bariatric team over the next year. This includes visits with your whole bariatric team. If you have concerns that would prevent you from making your appointments, please share them with our bariatric coordinator.

When can I go back to work after bariatric surgery?

Your procedure is an outpatient, same-day procedure. Most patients need a few days at home prior to returning to work. Depending on your type of work, you may need to ensure adequate hydration prior to returning.

What is the time frame for food restrictions?

Post-op Week 1- 4: Liquids only

Post-op Week 4 - 6: Pureed foods

Post-op Week 6 and onward: Slow advancement to regular foods (avoiding raw vegetables/nuts/seeds/dried fruits)

Week 8 and beyond: Regular diet, but continue to avoid drinking 30min before and after meals.

You may begin “regular” foods ONLY if you can tolerate foods in the previous stages.

You are required to meet with our Bariatric Program counselors two weeks after your surgery and every 4-6 weeks for six months to ensure you are meeting your individual nutritional goals. Phone consults are an option. This is the time when you need to start making notes of how your new digestive system tolerates food and create new eating habits that will lead to successful goals you set. Long-term recommendations are to have three meals and 1-2 snacks with the foods recommended by our dietitian.

No Carbonation EVER after bariatric surgery. No Caffeine for 8 weeks post-op. No Alcohol for 6 months post-op.

You will find some food may never be tolerated or not until later in your post-weight-loss surgery journey. Do not give up. Eat slow and chew thoroughly and participate in our bariatric support group.

How often should I weigh myself?

We encourage you to weigh at home every 1-2 weeks. This is another habit that commits you to being accountable and responsible for your success. Use the same scale, same time of day upon waking and after using the bathroom, wearing the same clothes (or none). Keep a log of your weight. Checking your weight more than once a week can be too excessive. Contact a counselor if you have the same weight 3 weeks in a row.

What should I do about the medications I was taking before surgery? Should I continue taking all of them?

First and foremost, it is your responsibility to ensure your primary or prescribing doctor (s) are aware that your medications may need to be adjusted after your surgery. Do NOT just stop taking medications after your surgery. Plan ahead, contact your primary doctor and discuss if your medication prescriptions need to be changed, especially diabetes, psychiatric, and blood pressure medication. Medications should be in chewable or liquid form for two-three months after surgery. Time-release medications are NOT recommended. Contact your prescribing doctor(s) prior to surgery. Do not wait until the last day or after surgery.

When can I exercise after bariatric surgery?

Begin walking as soon as possible, this may even be four to six hours after surgery once the anesthesia has worn off. The first few days you may be limited by fatigue and mild pain. Walk around the house or in a mall with air conditioning and areas to sit and rest.

Support Groups

We host monthly support groups which you are welcome to whether you’re a patient or not. Sometimes the greatest support comes from those that have been where you are at now.