--- title: Top 5 Bariatric Surgery Questions Answered date: 2023-07-12T08:21:00-05:00 author: Hannah Keller canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/top-5-bariatric-surgery-questions-answered" section: Blog --- [« View All Blogs](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog) # Top 5 Bariatric Surgery Questions Answered July 12, 2023 | Patient Education ![Doctor in a white coat holding a tablet, explaining something to a patient in an orange shirt.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_50x16_crop_center-center_none/Bari-Hero.png) ## Bariatric Surgery Overview Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery, modifies the stomach and digestive system to support weight loss. These surgeries are performed by bariatric surgeons to reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues like heart disease or stroke. This type of medical weight loss procedure is often recommended when conventional methods like diet and exercise are ineffective in achieving a healthy weight. Your health is yours so it’s important to make an informed decision before moving forward with this procedure. Understanding the requirements of bariatric surgery will help you carefully consider this option. Schneck is here to assist you in your health journey by addressing frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery. ![Physician discusses with a patient](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/Bari-In_text.png) ### What's the Weight Qualification for Bariatric Surgery? Bariatric surgery is typically considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. To determine if you qualify for bariatric surgery, we conduct an assessment to look at factors such as previous attempts at weight management through diet and exercise. Weight loss may not be a strict requirement for bariatric surgery, although some insurance policies may request it. A team of professionals, including a surgeon, dietician, and nurse practitioner collaborate with you to establish a goal based on your BMI and abdominal examination. ### Which Bariatric Surgery Is the Best at Schneck? Surgeons at Schneck Bariatrics generally offer two types of bariatric surgery. The Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most commonly performed procedure, reducing the size of the stomach to control hunger and limit food intake. Each patient's needs are assessed to determine a suitable option. There are several options for bariatric surgery, your surgeon will help you decide what is right for you. ### What Can I Eat after Bariatric Surgery? After bariatric surgery, your diet will go through several phases. Initially, you'll start with a clear liquid diet to stay hydrated and avoid stomach irritation. Then, you'll progress to a full liquid diet, consuming protein shakes and milk products. Next comes the soft food diet, introducing options like scrambled eggs and hot cereals. Around week 7, you'll transition to a regular diet of protein and raw fruits and vegetables while being mindful of portion sizes. It's important to avoid carbonation, sugary drinks, gum, spicy foods, and caffeine to prevent irritation. ### What Is the Recovery Time for Bariatric Surgery?? Immediately following bariatric surgery, most patients can walk within a few hours and will begin their liquid diet the next day. They will often stay in the hospital for one to two days before going home. Additionally, patients can return to work within two to four weeks, and possibly sooner if working from a home office. While we encourage individuals to get up and walk around after the procedure, engaging in heavier-impact activities like sports may require a six-week recovery time to be safe. ### How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight after Surgery? When considering weight loss after bariatric surgery, a realistic outlook is helpful. Weight loss varies among individuals, with an average of two or three pounds per week in the year following surgery. While some weight regain may occur later on, stability is typically achieved within two to three years, accompanied by improvements in obesity-related diseases. ## Bariatric Surgery at Schneck Before undergoing bariatric surgery at Schneck, surgeons will consider your age and completion of preparatory measures in addition to your BMI. Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for patients between the ages of 18 and 65. You’ll receive resources such as workbooks, a Bariatric Surgery Informational Seminar recording, and support group information so you can feel confident in choices concerning your health. ![Close-up of a person in a white coat writing on a clipboard while another person sits across from them.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/Bari-Rich-Content.png) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Your Bariatric Team Everyone at Schneck Bariatrics is here to help you lead the healthy life you deserve. ![Headshot of Cathy Hildebrand](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/CathyHildebrand01-3x3.jpg) ### Cathy R. Hildebrand, NP Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/cathy-r-hildebrand) ![headshot of G. Brandon Millick, MD](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/Millick-headshot.jpg) ### G. Brandon Millick, MD Bariatrics/Surgical Weight Loss, General Surgery, da Vinci Surgery [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/g-brandon-millick) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## Seek the Best Weight Loss Solution for You At Schneck, we’ll support you as you take back your health. Everyone’s road to weight loss is different and that’s okay. Schedule an appointment today to find out if bariatric surgery is the next step for you. [Let's Connect](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/surgery/bariatrics) ![headshot of G. Brandon Millick, MD](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_20x20_crop_center-center_none/Millick-headshot.jpg) About the Author **G. Brandon Millick MD** Dr. Brandon Millick is a board certified general surgeon with Schneck Surgical Associates and Schneck Bariatrics. He attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. ## Related Blog Posts When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs. ![Family outside on a jog](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/22_Schneck_WeightLoss_Blog.jpg) Lifestyle Tips### Practical Weight Loss Tips [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/practical-weight-loss-tips) ![Measuring tape around man](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/21_Schneck_Bariatrics_Blog_1280x600.jpg) Patient Education### Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You? [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/is-bariatric-surgery-right-for-you) [Previous Blog](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/schneck-internal-medicine-and-schneck-hospitalists-welcome-dr-micah-fischer) [Next Blog ](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/schneck-medical-center-named-one-of-the-nations-top-hospitals-for-physician-and-nurse-communication) [## Ready to Serve Find a Doctor ](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) [## Comprehensive Care Medical Services ](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services) [## Locations Near You View Locations ](https://www.schneckmed.org/locations) ## Let's Keep in Touch Sign up to receive Schneck news and health & wellness updates in your inbox.