Bariatric Surgery
A structured approach to weight loss and better health.
A surgical option for long-term weight management and improved metabolic health.
Bariatric Surgery Overview
Bariatric surgery supports long-term weight loss by changing how much food the stomach holds, how the body processes food, or both.
Weight-loss surgery may be considered when obesity affects your health and nonsurgical methods have not produced lasting results. Clarus Surgery offers sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Our team reviews your medical history, weight-loss efforts, related health conditions, and treatment goals to determine which procedure may be appropriate.
Surgical Options for Weight Loss
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy removes a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits how much food the stomach can hold and may also reduce hunger.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and connects it to a lower section of the small intestine. This alters digestion and reduces the absorption of some nutrients.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- High cholesterol
- Fatty liver disease
- Joint pain and reduced mobility
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Other weight-related health concerns
When Surgery Is Recommended
Bariatric surgery may be recommended when:
- Nonsurgical weight-loss methods have not produced lasting results
- Obesity affects your health or daily activities
- Weight-related medical conditions continue to worsen
- Your BMI and health history meet surgical guidelines
- You are prepared to follow long-term nutrition and activity recommendations
- The potential benefits of surgery outweigh the risks
- Surgery supports your broader health goals
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, bariatric treatment recommendations are based on your medical history, BMI, weight-related conditions, previous weight-loss efforts, and long-term goals. If surgery is recommended, our team will explain the procedure, preparation requirements, recovery process, and necessary lifestyle changes. When appropriate, minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques may be used.
Have questions about bariatric surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation may include nutrition counseling, medical testing, or a preoperative diet. Instructions vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Bariatric Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Follow the staged diet provided by your surgical team. Your diet will gradually progress from liquids to puréed or soft foods and then regular foods. Begin walking immediately after surgery.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, nausea, bloating, fatigue, and changes in appetite are common during recovery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Showering is permitted immediately after surgery. Initial follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery, with continued visits based on your recovery and long-term care needs.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
Vitamins & Supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements may be required after bariatric surgery. Follow your care team’s recommendations to support nutrition and prevent deficiencies.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Inability to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration
- Persistent bleeding
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- New pain, redness, or swelling in one leg
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the general surgery provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be considered based on BMI, weight-related health conditions, previous weight-loss efforts, and overall health. Clarus Surgery reviews each patient individually to determine whether surgery is appropriate. Insurance requirements may differ from current medical guidelines.
What types of bariatric surgery are available?
Clarus Surgery offers sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Each procedure changes the digestive system differently and has its own potential benefits and considerations. Our team will explain how each option works and help determine which may be appropriate based on your health, anatomy, and goals.
How much weight can I lose after bariatric surgery?
Weight loss varies based on the procedure, starting weight, health conditions, and commitment to long-term nutrition and activity changes. Clarus Surgery will discuss realistic expectations and the factors that can influence your individual results.
How long is recovery after bariatric surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed and individual healing. Patients begin walking shortly after surgery and follow a gradual diet progression. Clarus Surgery provides specific instructions for eating, hydration, activity, driving, incision care, and returning to work.
Will I need vitamins after bariatric surgery?
Many patients require daily vitamin and mineral supplements following bariatric surgery, although specific needs depend on the procedure. The Clarus Surgery team will provide supplementation guidance and explain the importance of continued follow-up to monitor nutrition.
