What to expect before, during, and after bariatric surgery

Our compassionate team of bariatric medicine specialists, surgeons, and support staff guide you along your journey to a healthy weight. We’ll help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.

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The bariatric surgery process at Penn Medicine

The decision to have weight loss surgery is the first important step on your path to better health. Starting the journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re never alone. From your first visit through surgery and follow-up care, our skilled team offers nurturing support and the highest quality care.

We begin by ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements for bariatric surgery and complete our comprehensive screenings and tests. You’ll have appointments with members of your care team, including a surgeon, dietitian, and nursing professional. We’ll run a series of medical tests to determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.

If you’re a candidate for surgery, we’ll work with you to get approval from your insurance provider. Surgeons at all of our locations participate in most insurance plans and Medicare.

Preparing for bariatric surgery

Our bariatric surgery process typically takes three to six months due to insurance requirements and pre-surgery testing. Preparation for bariatric surgery may vary depending on your needs and the procedure you’re having. However, most people follow a similar timeline and preparation steps.

If you decide to move forward with surgery, you’ll have a series of appointments (via virtual or in-person visits) with our team, including a dietitian and nurse practitioner. During the time leading up to your surgery date, you’ll learn how bariatric surgery changes eating habits and daily life. We’ll teach you how to eat well and incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine.

You'll also have a psychological consultation to help you as you prepare for the emotional and mental aspects of changing your lifestyle and life after the procedure.

As you get closer to your surgery date, our team will provide instructions to ensure your surgery happens as scheduled and is successful.

The day of your bariatric surgery

The admitting office at the Penn Medicine hospital where you will have your surgery will contact you and confirm the time you should arrive at the hospital. This is usually two or three hours before your procedure. Your surgeon gives you specific instructions to prepare for your surgery. These instructions may require you to drink only liquids (no solid food), and not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. You may also be asked to take a bath or shower using antibacterial soap the night before surgery or the morning of your procedure.

After you arrive at the hospital, your surgeon meets with you to discuss the specifics of your procedure. Bariatric surgery requires general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Depending on which surgical weight loss procedure you’ve undergone, your hospital stay may be between one and four days.

Life after bariatric surgery

Your care team will provide specific instructions for recovery at home. You may feel weak and tired for a few days after your procedure. This is a normal part of recovery.

After your procedure, you’ll follow a diet plan outlined by your dietitian and have a series of follow-up visits with our team. We’ll monitor your recovery and weight loss. Most people come in within 10 to 14 days of their surgery, at six weeks post-surgery, after three months, and six months after surgery.

You’ll begin annual follow-up visits with us after one year. During these visits, you'll meet with a nurse practitioner or surgeon and a dietitian. We strongly encourage you to commit to annual follow-up appointments. Checking in with your team will help you stay on track with your weight loss and prevent weight regain, nutrition deficiencies, or surgical complications.

Beyond your regular follow-up visits, we're always here when you need us. We are dedicated to providing support for life. People who maintain follow-up visits after bariatric surgery tend to be successful in maintaining a healthy weight. Don't hesitate to check in with questions or concerns at any time.

Recognized for quality care and excellence in bariatric surgery

The bariatric surgery and weight management team at Penn Medicine leads the field in compassionate, quality care. Our commitment to the highest quality care has earned all of our program locations accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). We’re recognized for our expertise in bariatric surgery and evidence-based care by Aetna Institute of Quality and are considered a Blue Distinction Center. Our health system has also received the Magnet® award for nursing in recognition of our outstanding nursing care.

These recognitions reflect our dedication to providing the best possible care for our patients.

Schedule an appointment

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