Bariatric Surgery: Check what you know about bariatric surgery

Before you decide to have bariatric surgery, it’s important to understand how the surgery changes your body, how it’s done, and what to expect after the surgery. Answer these questions to find out what you know about bariatric surgery.

1. Obesity is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that needs lifelong treatment. Bariatric surgery is one treatment option for obesity.

a. True

b. False

c. Not sure

Correct!

The correct answer is A. For more information, see About bariatric surgery

2. What are the benefits of having bariatric surgery? (There may be more than one correct answer.)

a. Closer to normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure

b. Being able to breathe more easily

c. A normal weight and body mass index (BMI)

d. Being able to move better and be more active

e. A lower risk of dying early from heart disease and some types of cancer

Correct! Blood sugar levels and blood pressure are often closer to normal after bariatric surgery.

Incorrect. Even though it's common to lose 1/3 (about 30%) of your starting weight after bariatric surgery, it’s unlikely you’ll reach a normal BMI. For more information, see What changes to expect after surgery.

Correct! It’s often easier to breathe after bariatric surgery.

Correct! It may be easier to move and be more active after bariatric surgery.

Correct! Heart disease and the risk of some cancers can decrease after bariatric surgery.

3. After bariatric surgery, I’ll need to make lifestyle changes that last the rest of my life.

a. True

b. False

c. Not sure

Correct! You’ll need to make lifestyle changes that last the rest of your life. These include having healthy eating habits, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and making time for physical activity each day. For more information, see After your surgery and Eating well after bariatric surgery.

Incorrect. After bariatric surgery you’ll need to make lifestyle changes that last the rest of your life. To learn about these lifestyle changes, see After your surgery and Eating well after bariatric surgery.

After bariatric surgery you’ll need to make lifestyle changes that last the rest of your life. To learn about these lifestyle changes, see After your surgery and Eating well after bariatric surgery.

4. If I smoke, I’ll need to quit before I have bariatric surgery. And I can’t smoke after the surgery. If I don’t stop smoking, I won’t be able to have bariatric surgery.

a. True

b. False

c. Not sure

Correct! Smoking can cause problems (complications) before and after bariatric surgery. For information about quitting smoking, visit AlbertaQuits.

Incorrect. Smoking can cause problems (complications) before and after bariatric surgery. For information about quitting smoking, visit AlbertaQuits.

Smoking can cause problems (complications) before and after bariatric surgery. For information about quitting smoking, visit AlbertaQuits.

5. How will my life change after bariatric surgery? (There may be more than one correct answer.)

a. I’ll need to change how I eat and what I eat.

b. I‘ll need to have follow-up care for the rest of my life.

c. I’ll need be active and move every day.

d. I may need to make changes to some of the medicines I take and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Correct! After bariatric surgery, you’ll need to eat smaller amounts (portions), not drink with meals and snacks, and avoid foods with sticky, gummy, stringy, or tough textures. For more information, see Eating well after bariatric surgery.

Correct! After bariatric surgery you’ll need to see your doctor regularly. For more information about follow-up after bariatric surgery, see Follow-up care.

Correct! For more information on physical activity, see After your surgery.

Correct! For more information on taking medicine after bariatric surgery, see After your surgery.

6. If I want to have children, what do I need to think about before I decide to have bariatric surgery or after I have bariatric surgery? (There may be more than one correct answer.)

a. Birth control that I take by mouth may not work as well after surgery. I’ll need to use other types of birth control until I’m ready to get pregnant.

b. I should wait 12 to 24 months after surgery before I get pregnant. I need to make sure I’m able to eat well and have a stable weight before I get pregnant.

c. If I get pregnant, I’ll need to see my doctor and dietitian throughout my pregnancy to make sure that my baby and I are healthy and get the nutrients we need.

Correct! For more information, see Body changes and pregnancy.