Life After

Dallas Weight Loss Surgery

The weight loss experts and bariatric surgeons at DFW Bariatric Institute are dedicated to changing lives in Dallas. What happens after weight loss surgery? Bariatric surgery is a highly effective procedure that can provide dramatic weight loss results and contribute to a healthier lifestyle, but it is not a miracle treatment. Individuals cannot achieve their weight loss goals through surgery alone. Patients must be dedicated to making the lifestyle changes that are necessary to promote good health and successful weight loss after surgery. If you have the motivation, we will provide you with the tools you need to maintain weight loss success.

We’ve compiled some of the most important information for bariatric patients and anyone wondering what life could be like after weight loss surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery Results

Patients who undergo weight loss surgery at our Dallas bariatric surgery practice are generally pleased with their results. We are honored to share a large gallery of before and after photos and many testimonials from patients who are living happier, healthier lives after bariatric surgery.

How much weight can you expect to lose after bariatric surgery? Results will vary for each individual patient, and patients who follow all post-surgical guidelines and are committed to a healthier and more active lifestyle will see the most success. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, patients who have gastric bypass may lose up to 80% of their excess weight.

Patients may experience a dramatic decrease in the risk or presence of serious health conditions related to morbid obesity. Studies show results such as:

  • 70% improvement or remission of Type 2 diabetes1
  • 80% remission of sleep apnea2
  • 82% reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease3
  • 62% resolution of high cholesterol4
  • 72% resolution of gout2
  • 98% improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease1

In addition to improvement of health conditions, 95% of bariatric patients report an improvement in overall quality of life.5

Rate of Weight Loss After Surgery

Many patients want to know exactly how much weight they will lose and how quickly they can expect to lose it. The truth is that every patient is unique and your rate of weight loss will vary based on several factors. In general, patients who have gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery will see the most significant weight loss, with most of the weight being lost within the first year after surgery. Patients who undergo gastric band surgery or non-surgical endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) will see a more gradual weight loss.

The rate of weight loss is also dependent on a patient’s motivation and dedication to reaching their goals. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but long-term success requires motivation and dedication to lifestyle changes. After surgery, patients are encouraged to embrace a healthy, nutritious, and active lifestyle. Patients who are highly committed to the lifestyle changes they must make following weight loss surgery will see the most successful results.


1 – Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14. Doi
2 – Schauer PR, Ikramuddin S, Gourash W, et al. Outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Ann Surg. 2000; 232(4):515-529
3 – Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Liberman M, et al. Surgery decreases long-term mortality, morbidity, and health care use in morbidly obese patients. Ann Surg. 2004;240(3):416-423; discussion 423-424.
4 – DeMaria EJ, Sugerman HJ, Kellum JM, et al. Results of 281 consecutive total laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses to treat morbid obesity. Ann Surg. 2002;235(5):640-645; discussion 645-647.
5 – Wittgrove AC, Clark GW. Laparoscopic gastric bypass,
Roux-en-Y – 500 patients: technique and results, with 3-60 month follow-up. Ann Surg. 2000;10(3):233-239.

View Actual Patient Results

Recovery from Weight Loss Surgery

The amount of recovery time from weight loss surgery at our practice also varies depending on the type of procedure that was performed. Patients who have undergone laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection will go home the same day of their procedure or stay in the hospital over night. Gastric bypass surgery patients must usually stay in the hospital for one to two days after surgery. Patients who are able to drink four ounces of liquid comfortably in one sitting can be safely discharged. However, they may not be able to return to their normal daily activities for one to two weeks. However, LAP-BAND® System surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients are allowed to be driven home by a friend or family member after surgery and can return to work in approximately three to five days.

No matter which procedure they undergo, all patients are encouraged to take plenty of time to recover from weight loss surgery. Patients should not return to work until they have had enough time to heal and feel physically comfortable.

Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are essential to a successful weight loss surgery outcome. Patients who undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric sleeve resection or endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) must be seen for a follow-up exam one to two weeks after their weight loss surgery procedure to make sure everything is going well. After that, they should be seen every three months during the first year, and at least once to twice a year after that.

Patients who undergo LAP-BAND® System weight loss surgery should be seen by our bariatric team one week after surgery and every month for the first year so that their progress can be followed and the gastric band can be adjusted according to their specific needs. After the first year, LAP-BAND® System patients can schedule their follow-up visits farther apart.

Patients should remember that they can schedule an appointment at any time should they feel the need to be seen by their surgeon, or one of our bariatric team members for any reason. We are completely dedicated to helping patients stay healthy and on track toward their weight loss goals. Please contact our bariatric surgery practice today to schedule an appointment.

Changes in Diet After Bariatric Surgery

One of the things that people wonder the most about post-bariatric life is how people eat after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Weight loss surgery patients will be given very specific instructions for liquid and food intake after their procedure. In general, patients will be given liquid diet instructions for their initial recovery period and then gradually graduate to soft and solid foods. Bariatric patients should plan to eat smaller portions for the rest of their lives. We generally recommend that each meal is no more than ¾ cup or about 4 ounces of food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diet After Bariatric Surgery

Can I have carbonated beverages after surgery?
No, carbonated beverages will be off limits – even if they are calorie free. The effervescence, or bubbles, in soda, seltzer, or beer can hold excess air in the small, reduced stomach of a bariatric patient. Carbonated drinks can cause nausea, gas, and even stomach damage.

What kinds of foods should I eat after bariatric surgery?
You will be given a detailed meal plan for the first few months after bariatric surgery. As you begin to tolerate solid foods, it is important to stick with nutritious foods. Your diet should be filled with lean protein, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Foods that should be avoided include processed carbohydrates, fried foods, and foods with added sugar.

Will I be able to eat any carbs after bariatric surgery?
The truth is that carbohydrates are an essential part of any diet. A healthy lifestyle includes carbs from foods such as sweet potatoes, fruits, and some whole grains. Foods with simple, processed carbohydrates, such as white bread, muffins, and cakes should be avoided.

How will I get enough protein after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric patients will need to carefully monitor their protein intake in order to hit their protein goals. Most people supplement with bariatric-friendly protein powders. We have lots of great shake recipes on our site to help patients enjoy their protein intake.

Will I be able to drink alcohol after bariatric surgery?
Alcohol does not play a part in a nutritious, post-bariatric diet. Keep in mind that after weight loss surgery your body will process alcohol differently. If you choose to partake in a very occasional celebratory drink, stick with a small glass of wine or a low sugar cocktail. In general, alcohol should be avoided.

Bariatric Surgery Nutritional Supplementation

After bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, your food intake will be reduced significantly. It will be important to take supplements in order to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your body needs to fully recover and be healthy. A multivitamin should be taken, but some other vitamins and minerals should be supplemented in addition to a multivitamin. Your supplement amounts and types may vary and your doctor will discuss a regimen with you. In general, post-bariatric patients should take:

  • Multivitamin
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium
  • Iron

Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty tolerating vitamins in pill form after surgery. Vitamin skin patches or liquid forms may be available.

Physical Activity After Bariatric Surgery

Exercise plays a very crucial role in success after weight loss surgery. Because the body consumes fewer calories after surgery, it may look for an alternative source of energy by burning muscle instead of fat. Exercise helps to prevent this, in addition to improving the metabolism and benefitting overall health. All patients are encouraged to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, four to five times a week. Your surgeon may recommend more exercise for some patients during the follow-up examination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

Please note that you should follow your bariatric team’s instructions around exercise, check with your doctor before starting a new fitness program, and you should not exercise if it causes pain.
When can I start exercising after bariatric surgery?
Typically, you should be able to start a walking program two weeks after surgery. Walking is a fantastic exercise to begin your life-long fitness routine. Avoid heavy lifting for approximately six weeks after surgery. You should avoid abdominal exercises for up to 12 weeks after surgery.

How often should I exercise?
Ideally, you will incorporate some physical activity every day. At a minimum, aim for at least a half hour of moderate aerobic exercise at least 4 days per week and some strength training at least 2 times per week.

What are the best exercises to do after weight loss surgery?
The best exercises are the ones that you actually do! Try new exercises to find the ones that you enjoy. Patients who are overcoming obesity may be most comfortable with lower impact aerobic exercises such as walking, biking, and swimming. Strength training with light weights is an excellent way to build muscle and tone the body. Aim to add a new exercise or increase your intensity every six weeks or so.

Life is so busy, how do I find time to exercise?
Part of your journey to better health is learning to make yourself a priority. Physical fitness is critical to overall health and weight loss success. Schedule your workouts in advance with a friend or in a group setting in order to hold yourself accountable. On very busy days, incorporate activity by parking further away, taking the stairs, and doing active household chores.

Sleep and Stress Management After Bariatric Surgery

Patients who are trying to lose weight are often primarily concerned with diet and exercise. However, mental health, stress levels, and sleep are very important pieces of overall health. You may have used food for emotional comfort before surgery, but now it is important to find other ways to manage stress and cope with difficult days. Here are some suggestions:

  • Listen to music that you love.
  • Start an active hobby, such as knitting, gardening, or photography.
  • You may be tempted to skip your workout on days you are stressed out, but exercising is excellent for mental health.
  • Develop a strong support network. Talking with other people who have had bariatric surgery can be helpful.
  • People often forget to breathe deeply when they are feeling anxious. Take 30 seconds to close your eyes, inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.

The Importance of Sleep for Weight Loss

People often underestimate the importance of sleep. Studies estimate that people who do not get adequate sleep lose fat at a rate 55% lower than those who do get more than 8 hours of sleep a night. Here are some tips for better sleep hygiene:

  • Schedule a bedtime for yourself and stick to it, even on weekends
  • Put away your cell phone and stop looking at screens a half hour before bedtime
  • Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and neat
  • Do not drink caffeine after lunch

Medications After Weight Loss Surgery

Many patients with obesity take prescribed medications for obesity related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. Bariatric surgery can improve or resolve these conditions and many bariatric patients have been able to reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications with their doctor’s guidance. However, each patient will have a different experience and the goal is better health and overall quality of life. While your health conditions may improve after bariatric surgery, you could end up taking more pills since you will be supplementing your nutrition with vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medication After Bariatric Surgery

Always ask your doctor when you have questions about your specific medication routine.

How will my medication intake change after bariatric surgery?
It is important to inform your bariatric surgeon about all medications that you take. Certain types of medications may be absorbed differently after your surgery, and their forms or dosages may need to be adjusted. If you take antidepressants, that medication may affect you differently and it is important to monitor your mental health and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. If you take medication for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea, there is a good chance that you will be able to reduce or eliminate them after surgery, but it is important that you work with your doctor and do not change medication dosages on your own.

Are there any medications I will not be able to take after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric patients may be advised to avoid Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen after surgery. Talk to your surgeon about any over-the-counter drugs that you take regularly or occasionally and follow their advice.

Can I crush my medications if I’m unable to swallow them whole after bariatric surgery?
In the initial post-surgery stages after bariatric surgery, you may find it difficult to swallow whole pills. Some medications can be crushed and added to liquid or soft foods, but some cannot safely be crushed. It is important to ask your doctor before crushing a medication.

What if I Regain Weight After Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric patients typically lose the most weight in the first year after surgery, and they also build a foundation of healthier habits during this time. If you follow your surgeon’s guidelines and develop healthy diet, exercise, and sleep habits, then you are on the right track for long-term weight loss success. However, sometimes patients do find themselves regaining weight. Here are some steps to take if you find yourself gaining back the weight you lost after your bariatric surgery.

  • Keep a detailed food journal Once patients are comfortable with solid food, some may begin to slide back into old habits of frequent snacking or eating sugary sweets. It can be easy to underestimate your intake, but if you commit to entering everything you eat into an online journal such as myfitnesspal, then you will see if your calorie intake is excessive.
  • Visit your dietitian Your registered dietitian can help you analyze your diet, make suggestions for healthy food swaps, provide meal plans, and give you new recipes.
  • Evaluate your exercise program If you have neglected exercise, recommit to a regular fitness routine. If you do exercise regularly, try adding some new exercises or increasing the duration of your workouts.
  • Stay hydrated and well-rested It is very important to stay hydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle and talk to your doctor about what your water goal should be each day. Make sure you are getting enough good-quality sleep each night, because sleep deprivation can inhibit fat loss and cause you to make poor food choices.
  • Talk to your surgeon Talk to your bariatric surgeon if you are following diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidelines and you are still experiencing weight gain. There are surgery revision options that can help you get back on track.

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Patient Testimonials


Janet S.

Lost 93 pounds*

"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."

Vivian P.

Lost 140 pounds*

“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”

Sherrie M.

Lost 110 pounds*

“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”

John E.

Lost 90 pounds*

“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”

Kathy D.

Lost 161 pounds*

“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”

Brian S.

Lost 130 pounds*

“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”

Lorna Q.

Lost 107 pounds*

"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

Danielle L.

Lost 154 pounds*

“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”

Dennis H.

Lost 170 pounds*

“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."