What to Know About Bariatric Surgery

If you’re among the more than 30% of Americans who are considered obese¹, then weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, could help you permanently shed the pounds and improve your overall health and quality of life. Here’s what to know about bariatric surgery.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a type of stomach surgery that’s designed to help people lose weight by removing a portion of their stomach. Surgical procedures that reduce stomach size — like a gastric sleeve, or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass that creates a small pouch that can only hold about an ounce of food — help people lose weight by limiting the amount of food they intake, helping them feel full faster. Some surgeries also make changes to the digestive system, altering the way food and calories are digested and absorbed in the stomach and small intestine.

There are a few different types of bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric banding and duodenal switch. Your doctor can recommend the best type of bariatric surgery for you based on your medical history, current health and your weight loss expectations.

People who choose to have bariatric surgery should be prepared to commit to a lifelong diet and exercise program, as well as regular check-ins with their doctor in order to maintain their weight loss results.

Preparing for bariatric surgery

If you’re considering bariatric procedures to lose weight, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate. Bariatric surgery may be a good option for you if your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or your BMI is between 30 and 39 and you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or sleep apnea. Your doctor may also want you to meet with a dietician or nutritionist to discuss a long-term plan for healthy eating after you’ve recovered from the surgery.

What to expect before bariatric surgery: You may have restrictions on eating, drinking and any current medications. It’s also a good idea to prepare for your recovery, including having someone drive you home following your bariatric surgery.

What to expect during bariatric surgery: You’ll have general anesthesia and can expect the surgery to take up to a few hours in a hospital. The majority of bariatric surgery procedures are done laparoscopically, a minimally invasive technique that can result in smaller incisions, minimal tissue damage, lower risk of complications and faster healing time.

What to expect after bariatric surgery: Most patients are able to go home the following day. In most cases, you won’t be able to eat anything for a day or two as your stomach and digestive system begin to heal. Most patients recover from bariatric surgery within a few weeks and ultimately lose 50% or more of their excess weight within two years. In addition to the weight loss, many patients see improved or resolved health conditions related to their prior obesity. Expect to have many follow-up visits with your doctor after bariatric surgery.

Post-bariatric surgery diet

You’ll be on a special diet for a few weeks after bariatric surgery that will consist of liquids only for about a week. This will be followed by very soft or pureed foods. After a few weeks, you’ll progress to eating regular food. Depending on the type of weight loss surgery and your overall health, your doctor may want to limit certain foods and beverages in your diet moving forward. Your doctor may also recommend multi-vitamins and nutritional supplements.

When combined with healthy eating and lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery can not only lead to permanent weight loss, but also a better quality of life and a lower risk of health conditions related to obesity.

Bariatric surgery risks

Bariatric weight loss surgery is a safe and effective weight loss treatment when other methods haven’t worked. But it does carry the same type of risks as any other major surgery. This can include infections, reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding and blood clots. You’ll be monitored carefully after surgery by your doctor and healthcare team, but it’s important to contact your doctor’s office right away if you have any concerns after your weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery cost

Bariatric surgery can cost around $20,000 - $25,000.² However, costs can vary widely based on the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, fees and more. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of bariatric surgery when it’s considered medically necessary or is directly related to a previously documented serious health condition.

Remember that the CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for bariatric surgery, consultations and other types of weight loss treatments and services at locations nationwide.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit.