Skip to Main Content
A male jogger takes steps to live a healthy lifestyle after undergoing weight-loss surgery.

Understanding different weight loss procedures

For the right candidates, the benefits of weight loss procedures far outweigh the risks. It’s important to select a surgeon with experience in all options so your decision can be made objectively, based on what’s absolutely best for you.

When making your decision, it is important to consider your lifestyle, age, level of health, and any pre-existing conditions. We’ll take the time to carefully evaluate all these factors and determine the best option for you. We’ll recommend a procedure and a plan that will move you toward improved health with the ability to live life as you choose.

Bariatric surgery options

  • Gastric bypass surgery

    This weight loss procedure involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting a portion of the small intestine to reduce food intake and nutrient absorption, leading to significant weight loss.

    Learn about this procedure
  • Gastric sleeve

    Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves the removal of a portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, banana-shaped stomach pouch to limit food intake and aid in weight loss.

    Learn about this procedure
  • Gastric band surgery

    Gastric band surgery, also known as adjustable gastric banding or lap-band surgery, involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake and promote gradual weight loss by creating a feeling of fullness.

    Learn about this procedure
  • Gastric balloons

    Gastric balloons are non-surgical weight loss devices that are inserted into the stomach and inflated, occupying space and promoting a feeling of fullness to help individuals reduce their food intake and achieve weight loss.

    Learn about this procedure
  • Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

    Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that involves using an endoscope to suture and reshape the stomach, reducing its capacity and aiding in weight loss.

    Learn about this procedure
  • Bariatric revision surgery

    Bariatric revision surgery is a procedure performed to modify or correct a previous weight loss surgery due to complications, inadequate weight loss, or changes in the patient's health needs and goals.

    Learn about this procedure

Frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery

Although it can vary, the hospital stay (including the day of bariatric surgery) can be 1-2 days, but is usually 24 hours.

Every attempt is made to control pain after bariatric surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Various methods of pain control, depending on your type of surgical procedure, are available. Ask your surgeon about other pain management options.

For your own safety, you should not drive until you have stopped taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and alertly to stop your car, especially in an emergency. Usually this takes 7-14 days after bariatric surgery.

Almost immediately after bariatric surgery doctors will ask you to get up and move about. Patients are asked to walk or stand at the bedside on the night of bariatric surgery, take several walks the next day and thereafter. On leaving the hospital, you may be able to care for all your personal needs, but will need help with shopping, lifting and with transportation.

Personal toiletries (comb, toothbrush, etc.) and an outfit to change into before going home. A hospital gown will be provided by the hospital during your stay, but some people prefer to bring their own. Choose clothes for your stay that are easy to put on and take off. Because of your incision, your clothes may become stained by blood or other body fluids. Other ideas:

  • Reading and writing materials
  • Crossword and other puzzles
  • Bathrobe  

Featured Updates

How Providers Can Increase Prostate Cancer Awareness in Patients

OCT 18, 2024

Physicians and health care leaders have an opportunity to increase awareness about prostate cancer risks and encourage patient-provider discussions.

Read More Additional information about How Providers Can Increase Prostate Cancer Awareness in Patients

Strange New Worlds: Centering Patient Perspectives on Neurosurgery

OCT 18, 2024

St. Luke’s Health is leading the way in putting patient perspectives at the forefront of neurosurgery practices to ensure ideal outcomes for each person.

Read More Additional information about Strange New Worlds: Centering Patient Perspectives on Neurosurgery

Find a Doctor


Looking for a doctor? Perform a quick search by name or browse by specialty.

Sign up for a free weight loss seminar

U.S. News & World Report


U.S News & World Report has recognized Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center as one of the best hospitals for several specialties.