5 Common Questions About Bariatric Surgery

For people with obesity who are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery can be a life changing—and improving—option.

While bariatric surgery provides many benefits beyond weight loss—joint pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, improved fertility, and relief from depression to name a few— only one-half of 1 percent of people eligible for bariatric surgery go through with it. Very often, potential patients are not clear on what it takes to qualify for surgery, what is required of them prior to surgery, what recovery looks like, and the risks associated with the procedure.  

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, I encourage you to read on as I answer five of the most common questions related to bariatric surgery.

Question 1: How do I know if I’m eligible for the surgery?

To qualify for surgery, you need to meet the following criteria established by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):

- A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more

- A BMI of 30 or more in individuals with type 2 diabetes

- A BMI of 30 to 34.9 for individuals who have not achieved significant or lasting weight loss or improved weight-related health issues through non-surgical means

In addition, you must be mobile, medically, and emotionally stable, and have the support needed to help with recovery.

Question 2: Will I have to go on a diet before I have surgery?

Yes. Bariatric patients must go on a special 2-3-week, pre-operative diet to reduce fat in their abdomen and shrink their liver; both of which work to make the procedure safer.

Depending upon your insurance, you may have to go on a physician-monitored diet for 3-6 months prior to surgery, in addition to the shorter-term pre-operative diet noted above. 

Question 3: How long after weight loss surgery can I return to work?

Most patients return to work in a month or less. If you work from home, you may be able to work as soon as a week after surgery. 

Question 4: Will I have to be on a diet after the surgery?

Yes, but with very good reason. Bariatric surgery works by significantly reducing your stomach’s capacity. A post-surgery diet is designed to your stomach. The specifics of your diet will depend upon your individual situation but very often it initially involves a liquid diet that then transitions to soft foods. Depending upon how well your body heals will determine how soon you can return to solid foods (usually within 3 months of surgery).

Question 5: Do I have a greater chance of dying from obesity or from surgery?

While there are risks associated with any surgery, bariatric surgery is considered extremely safe. In fact, the risk of death from this procedure (.028%) is lower than the risk associated with hip surgery (.35%). In addition, many bariatric surgery patients with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea experience remission of these obesity-related diseases and surgery has been found to reduce a patient’s risk of premature death by 30-50%. Again, while there are risks associated with all surgeries, for morbidly obese individuals with weight-related health issues, NOT having bariatric surgery is far more dangerous than having the surgery.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, talk to your primary care provider and discuss it with family and friends who you will need to count on for support immediately after surgery and as you adjust to new ways of eating and engaging with the world.

Matthew McDonald, DO, FACS, FASMBS, is a phyisician with Capital Bariatics and is also credentialed at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center where he performs bariatric surgery.