Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery

Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we will do everything we can to make your journey to surgery go as smoothly as possible. The time between your first appointment and your surgery date can vary depending on lots of factors, including your health and any requirements of your insurance plan. At your consultation appointment, we will be able to give you a timeline for your unique treatment plan.

Candidates for bariatric surgery typically include individuals with:

• A history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts through diet and exercise
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher; or
• A BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea

Your coverage will depend on your individual insurance policy, insurance requirements, and your medical history. Learn more about insurance and self-pay financing options.

The cost of your weight loss surgery will depend on what type of procedure you have, as well as the details of your individually tailored treatment plan. We believe that pricing should not be a barrier to better health, which is why we offer financing options and self-pay packages. We currently offer self-pay pricing for gastric sleeve surgery for as low as $288 per month with financing.* Learn more about payment and financing options.
*Estimated monthly payment for qualified candidates

Bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and help improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions. Benefits of procedures such as gastric sleeve include:

• Long-term weight loss success
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Remission of type 2 diabetes
• Enhanced quality of life and mental health

During your initial consultation, you can expect to leave with everything you need to make an informed decision:

• A thorough medical evaluation
• Discussion of your weight loss goals
• Detailed explanation of surgical and non-surgical options
• Personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
• Financial information and guidance

The most important thing is that you feel ready to change your life. Our team will make sure you have everything you need as you get ready for surgery.

Smoking or using nicotine products severely slows down the healing process and can increase the risk of infection or postoperative complications. This includes e-cigarettes and smoking marijuana.

Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery and individual health factors. Generally, patients can expect to take about one week off of work and four weeks away from strenuous activity. After surgery, there will be a gradual transition from a liquid diet to solid foods over several weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.

Some discomfort and pain are normal after surgery, but pain management strategies are in place to help you stay comfortable.

Patients typically see significant weight loss within the first few months, with increasing weight loss in the year after surgery. Long-term success depends on adherence to dietary guidelines, regular physical activity, and ongoing medical follow-up.

This can vary depending on your individual medical needs, as well the type of work you do. Most patients return to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that you will need to refrain from strenuous activity and lifting more than 25 pounds for at least 4 weeks.

Some patients experience temporary, minor hair loss after bariatric surgery. This does not happen to all patients, and it can be caused by a response to anesthesia or by a deficiency in protein. Taking good care of yourself, including eating plenty of protein, may help prevent hair loss. This type of hair loss typically lasts 3 to 4 months before hair starts to grow back normally.

Dr. Stowers has all patients take an approved bariatric multivitamin for the rest of their life. Learn more about vitamins and supplements after bariatric surgery.

It’s recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 6 months post-surgery. Alcohol affects you more quickly after surgery and can interfere with weight loss and nutrient absorption. You may also get inebriated more quickly after bariatric surgery. Therefore, it is best to limit alcohol to small amounts at special occasions.

Bariatric patients should never drink carbonated beverages, including soda, beer, and sparkling water. The bubbles from carbonation can cause discomfort and can injure the stomach. Carbonation over time, can stretch out the stomach and contribute to weight regain.

You can resume sexual activity 4 weeks post-surgery.

Light exercise, such as walking, can start the day of surgery. We encourage our patients to begin walking to encourage the body to heal. More strenuous activities can typically be resumed 6-8 weeks post-surgery.

You can shower the day after surgery with light soap and water. However, no submersion in a bathtub, hot tub, etc. for 6 weeks.

You should avoid baths, swimming, or soaking in water until your incisions are fully healed, usually around 6 weeks post-surgery.

Maintaining weight loss involves:

• Following a balanced diet
• Regular physical activity
• Attending support groups or counseling
• Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team

We understand that bariatric surgery is a big decision, and that it’s not the right choice for everyone. We encourage you to schedule a consultation so you can learn about all your options and get answers to any questions you have. You may decide that our non-surgical medical weight loss program is best for you.