What Is Bariatric Surgery and How Can It Change Your Life?

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Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for achieving significant and long-lasting weight loss in people living with obesity who have not achieved results through diet or exercise.

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This type of surgery helps reduce the amount of food the body can consume or absorb, allowing for controlled and safe weight loss under medical supervision. However, its benefits go far beyond weight loss. Bariatric surgery can improve or even reverse obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and joint problems.

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Choosing this treatment can mark a turning point in your life, leading to more energy, better health, and an improved quality of life

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With the support of a specialized medical team, bariatric surgery becomes a powerful tool to regain your well-being and transform your future.

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How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

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You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medical treatments without achieving lasting results and meet one or more of the following criteria:

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• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m², with or without associated comorbidities

• Obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, sleep apnea, joint pain, mobility issues, or even emotional challenges associated with excess weight.

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Bariatric surgery not only helps achieve significant weight loss but can also improve or help control many of these conditions, allowing you to regain your health and quality of life.

 

The best way to determine whether you are a candidate is through a specialized medical evaluation, during which your overall health will be assessed and the most appropriate treatment plan for you will be determined.

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How Much Weight Can You Lose with Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss after bariatric surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, the patient's individual characteristics, and adherence to medical and nutritional follow-up. 

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During the first month, many patients may lose approximately 12 to 15 kg (26 to 33 lbs), depending on their initial weight and the procedure performed. Weight loss then continues progressively over time.

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On average, patients can lose between 60% and 80% of their excess weight within approximately 12 to 18 months after surgery.

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It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is a powerful medical tool, but long-term success also depends on adopting healthy habits, maintaining a balanced diet, and continuing regular medical follow-up.

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How Long Does Recovery Take After Bariatric Surgery?

 

Recovery after bariatric surgery is generally relatively quick, especially when the procedure is performed using laparoscopic techniques or the Da Vinci Robotic System.

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In general

• Hospital stay: 1 day

• Return to light activities: Approximately 1 week

• Full recovery: Usually within 4 to 6 weeks

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During this period, patients follow a progressive dietary protocol that begins with liquids and gradually advances to soft and solid foods, always under medical and nutritional supervision.

Regular follow-up with the multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure a safe recovery, achieve appropriate weight loss, and maintain long-term results.

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Which Bariatric Treatment Is Right for Me?

The most appropriate bariatric treatment should be individualized for each patient, as the choice of procedure depends on multiple clinical and metabolic factors.

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To determine the best treatment option, a comprehensive medical evaluation is performed, including an assessment of medical history, body mass index (BMI), obesity-related comorbidities, eating habits, psychological status, and weight-loss goals.

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Based on this evaluation, the multidisciplinary team may recommend the most appropriate procedure, such as an intragastric balloon, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, or other treatment options.

 

The goal of bariatric treatment is to achieve significant and sustained weight loss, improve obesity-related conditions, and enhance the patient's quality of life, always under specialized medical supervision and follow-up.​

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Why Is It Important to See a Psychologist During the Bariatric Journey?

 

The support of a psychologist before, during, and after bariatric surgery is a fundamental part of achieving successful and long-lasting results.

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Bariatric surgery involves more than physical changes; it also brings emotional, behavioral, and lifestyle changes. For this reason, psychological support helps you prepare mentally and emotionally for this new stage of your life.

 

A psychologist can help you:

• Understand and manage the emotions associated with the weight-loss journey.

• Develop healthy habits and a more mindful relationship with food.

  Strengthen your self-esteem and motivation throughout the process of change

• Identify emotional factors that may influence eating behaviors or the long-term maintenance of results.

This support is part of a comprehensive bariatric treatment approach designed to help you build a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable lifestyle for the long term.

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Why Is Nutritional Follow-Up Important After Bariatric Surgery?

 

Nutritional follow-up is an essential part of long-term success after bariatric surgery. Although surgery is a highly effective tool for weight loss, adopting new eating habits is fundamental to maintaining results over time.

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After the procedure, your body goes through different stages of adaptation. For this reason, your nutritionist will guide you through the gradual progression of your diet, beginning with liquids, then soft foods, and eventually transitioning to a balanced eating plan tailored to your new gastric capacity.
 

Nutritional support will also help you:

• Learn how to make healthy and balanced food choices

• Prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

  Develop sustainable eating habits.

• Maintain healthy and stable weight loss.

Nutritional follow-up is part of a comprehensive treatment approach designed to help you achieve not only weight loss but also better health and an improved quality of life in the long term.​​

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​​Is Bariatric Surgery a Safe Procedure?

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Bariatric surgery is considered a safe procedure when performed by a specialized medical team in an appropriate hospital setting. Today, thanks to technological advances and the use of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery, the risk of complications has been significantly reduced.

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As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, but these are carefully evaluated during the preoperative medical assessment. In addition, follow-up by a multidisciplinary team allows for the timely detection and management of any issues that may arise during recovery.

 

For many people living with obesity, the benefits of bariatric surgery—such as significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions—far outweigh the potential risks. The key lies in proper patient selection, thorough preoperative preparation, and ongoing medical follow-up.​​​

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Can You Regain Weight After Bariatric Surgery?

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Bariatric surgery is a highly effective tool for achieving significant and sustained weight loss. However, maintaining long-term results also depends on the habits adopted after the procedure.

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If patients follow medical recommendations, maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and attend their follow-up appointments, they can preserve the benefits achieved through surgery.
 

In some cases, a slight degree of weight regain may occur over time, which can be normal. However, ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team allows these situations to be identified early and addressed with appropriate adjustments to help maintain healthy and stable long-term progress.