The Institute for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in Manhattan develops a plan of care so that after surgery, you lose weight safely and learn new behaviors to maintain your weight loss.  Our team works with you to make the experience as pleasant as possible.  Here are the key steps you can expect:

1. In the hospital
   You will spend two to three hours in the recovery room.  Depending on the procedure you have, patients undergoing bariatric surgery typically stay in the hospital about one to two days.  While you are in the hospital, the full team will follow you closely.  You will stay in a specially designed unit with staff specifically trained in caring for your specific needs.

2. Follow-up visits
   Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will receive specific instructions on dietary plans and medications, guidelines on resuming activity,as well as when and how to contact members of your care team.  Your follow-up visits will often include post-op classes on diet recommendations so be prepared for longer post-op visits.  At these visits, diet plans and coping strategies are discussed and the treatment plan is modified as needed.  Blood tests are also routinely done to monitor potential deficiencies.  During the first two years after bariatric surgery, you will make frequent follow-up visits to the Center to make sure you are losing adequate weight in a healthy manner.

3. Support groups
   Attending post-operative bariatric surgery support groups is key to ensure your long-term weight loss success. The groups offer a supportive environment to help manage the emotional changes and situations that occur as a result of weight loss and weight loss surgery. The Center runs several support groups, including one in Spanish. In addition to talking about nutrition and behavior, the support group experience is enriched by lectures and exercise programs. Visit our patient tools section to find a support group that meets your needs.
   
   

4. Long-term weight maintenance
   After the first two years, you will be followed bi-annually for the next three years. The goal at this stage is weight maintenance. You will be taught to recognize problems and learn when to seek intervention.

For more specifics about life after bariatric surgery and the post-bariatric surgery diet, see our Patient Tools section.

Ready to learn more? Use our appointment scheduling form to schedule an initital consultation. For more information or to register for an upcoming seminar on bariatric surgery, please call (212) 636-1000.