What to Expect During Bariatric Surgery

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We encourage you to explore our videos to understand more about the bariatric surgery process at UT Southwestern. After you’ve watched the videos and taken the survey above, you can make an appointment to meet with our bariatric specialists.

Bariatric Surgery Preparation

In preparation for surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center bariatric specialists will meet with you to discuss preoperative and postoperative details.

Psychological Evaluation

Prior to surgery, you will meet with a psychologist for a evaluation and testing to prepare you for the diet and exercise requirements essential to successful weight-loss management.

Preoperative Diet

Two weeks before surgery, you will be required to adhere to a pre-operation fast that consists of drinking high-protein shakes and one sensible meal every day.

Day Before Surgery Diet

The day before surgery, you will be on a full liquid diet that consists of high-protein shakes and zero-calorie beverages.

In addition to complying with the pre-operative diet, all patients are encouraged to exercise.

It is essential to carefully follow diet and exercise guidelines before surgery and prepare for a regimented diet after surgery.

Partners in Success

Our registered dietitians will work with you to develop personalized nutrition and fitness goals before and after surgery.

Patients are encouraged to speak with others who have undergone weight-loss surgery to better understand the benefits and long-term lifestyle changes that must be made. Patients are also encouraged to attend a monthly support group preoperatively and postoperatively.

Bariatric Surgery Recovery

Though each bariatric surgery procedure is different, the recovery period for all are similar.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Recovery

You will typically spend one or two nights in the hospital after the procedure. Depending on your condition and medical history, your recovery time is usually two to three weeks until you can return to work.

Gastric Bypass Recovery

You will typically spend one or two nights in the hospital after the procedure. Depending on your condition and medical history, your recovery time is usually two to three weeks until you can return to work.

Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band) Recovery

You will typically spend one night in the hospital after placement of the band. Depending on your condition and medical history, your recovery time is usually one to two weeks until you can return to work.

Bariatric Surgery Postoperative Care

All bariatric-surgery patients are required to have regular follow-up appointments to make sure weight loss occurs in a healthy, consistent manner and to avoid minor complications that can develop into major complications without proper supervision and guidance. Vitamin and mineral levels are also checked and monitored regularly.

Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

You will typically undergo band adjustments every eight weeks during the first year, then twice a year, then annually. At your follow up appointments you may also meet with a registered dietitian, an experienced bariatric advanced practice provider, or a bariatric surgeon.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

You will typically visit a registered dietitian, an experienced bariatric advanced practice provider, or a bariatric surgeon every three months for the first year, then twice a year, then annually.

Gastric Bypass