Bariatric Surgery FAQs

Bariatric support groups are available virtually through Microsoft teams monthly. Register online or call 800-727-4777 for your site’s available support group. Learn more about the upcoming support groups at Scripps. 

Scripps accepts many insurance plans, and we have years of experience working with insurance companies. Please call your insurance company to verify whether they cover the bariatric procedure.

Since costs are subject to change from time to time, we like to discuss that with you on an individual basis when you’re ready to proceed.

For the average patient, the surgery takes about one to two hours.

Your hospital stay depends on your individual medical condition, but most bariatric surgery patients are in the hospital one to two days. Your bariatric surgeon will explain what to expect for your specific surgery.

Many patients return to work within three to four weeks after having bariatric surgery. But your surgeon will discuss your specific expectations for your recovery. Please note there’s also a post-surgery lifting restriction for four to six weeks after surgery, and you should not lift anything weighing 20 pounds or more during that time.

Smoking must be stopped six months prior to surgery and is NOT permitted after surgery. Smoking increases the chances of developing a gastric ulcer if smoking persists post-operatively. Ulcers are very painful, associated with nausea, can take months to heal and can lead to surgical emergencies if they rupture.

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for significant weight loss and improvements in metabolic health. Establishing a regular exercise habit is also an excellent way to improve health. Recent studies suggest that exercise can be beneficial both before and after surgery.

Before surgery, exercise may reduce surgical complications and improve outcomes. And patients who established an exercise habit after bariatric surgery showed greater improvements in strength, mobility and flexibility when compared to patients who did not establish a healthy exercise habit after surgery. 

Be sure to talk with your surgical team about exercise before and after surgery.

Swimming is not allowed for six weeks. Please avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs and the ocean for six weeks after surgery.

Usually, the incisions are well healed and the patient is well on the way to recovery within two weeks after bariatric surgery, and at that time driving is permitted. The patient must use reasonable caution and good judgment and should not drive after taking medications, when in a state of pain or reduced alertness, or when other problems occur. Always check with your bariatric surgeon after bariatric surgery for confirmation.

After bariatric procedures, we recommend you wait at least two years after your surgery before trying to get pregnant. Every patient is different, so please talk with your surgeon about your specific questions related to pregnancy and any precautions you may need to take before getting pregnant.