The wait is over. It’s the day of your bariatric surgery.

Here’s exactly what surgery day and beyond looks like with Winnett Specialist Group, from arriving at the hospital to your recovery at home.

This page walks you through what to expect at each stage, so you can approach the day feeling informed and prepared.

IMPORTANT: Before reading on, make sure you’ve reviewed the Preparing for Bariatric Surgery page, which covers everything you need to do and know in the lead-up to surgery day.

During surgery day

On the morning of surgery, follow your fasting instructions carefully. Bring only the essentials to hospital, including things you might need for an overnight stay, including comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, your medications, and any paperwork provided by the Winnett Specialist Group team.

Arriving at hospital

When you check in, a member of the nursing team will escort you to the pre-operative area to begin preparing you for surgery. 

You’ll change into a hospital gown and have a cannula placed in your hand or arm, which will be used to deliver fluids and medication throughout the procedure.

When it’s time, you’ll be wheeled into the holding bay of the theatre complex. Your support person will be directed to the waiting area.

You will meet with Dr Winnett, the anaesthetist, the surgical assistant, and all of the nursing staff before being transferred to the operating theatre.

The procedure

Dr Jason Winnett performs bariatric surgery laparoscopically, meaning through small incisions rather than a single large opening. 

During the procedure, five or six small incisions are made in the upper abdominal area. Fine surgical instruments and a camera are inserted through these incisions, and real-time images of the abdominal cavity are transmitted to a high-definition screen, giving the surgical team a clear view of the operating area throughout.

Length of procedure varies depending on the type of surgery:

Waking up after surgery

Recovery begins the moment you wake. 

Typically, pain feels manageable and meets expectations. While some patients feel hungry, thirst tends to be the more prominent sensation. Some discomfort at the incision sites is normal.

A note for gastric bypass patients: anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen must be avoided after bypass surgery, as they increase the risk of internal bleeding and ulcers. Your care team will provide safe alternatives for pain relief.

After surgery: in hospital

The first hours

Patients are encouraged to be up and walking within four to six hours of waking from surgery. Short, regular walks around the ward (around 10 minutes every one to two hours during waking hours) help maintain circulation and support recovery in those first days.

Reduced appetite is common, particularly in the first days following sleeve gastrectomy and bypass procedures.

Fluid goals before discharge

Before leaving hospital, the nursing team will want to confirm you can tolerate fluids comfortably. The goal is to sip 200ml over a two-hour period.

How long will I stay in hospital after bariatric surgery?

Hospital stay depends on the type of procedure performed:

Before you leave: what to know at discharge

Before leaving hospital, your surgical team will walk you through how to restart any regular medications you were taking before surgery. Make sure to ask questions if anything is unclear. 

It’s also important to book a follow-up with your GP within two to four weeks of discharge to review and manage ongoing medications.

A follow-up appointment at Winnett Specialist Group in East Melbourne is typically scheduled for seven to ten days after discharge. In most cases, this is organised before your surgery date.

After surgery: at home

Your diet after bariatric surgery

Upon discharge, most patients begin the Phase II Full-Liquid diet, which continues for approximately two weeks unless your surgeon advises otherwise.

Protein is the foundation of surgical recovery. We recommend aiming for 60 to 80 grams of protein daily in the weeks following surgery. This can typically be achieved through two to three protein shakes spaced throughout the day, alongside any soft protein-rich foods introduced as your diet progresses.

How to drink fluids after bariatric surgery

Work towards 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid per day, building up gradually.

A few important habits to build from day one:

  • Take small, frequent sips rather than mouthfuls.
  • Drink directly from a cup. Straws introduce extra air into the stomach pouch, causing uncomfortable bloating.
  • If you feel pressure building beneath your breastbone, pause and let things settle before continuing.

Returning to physical activity

The first weeks at home are about allowing your body to heal. Here’s a guide to activity timelines.

Walking: Begin gentle walking from day one at home. Short, regular movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots and supports overall recovery.

Lifting: Avoid lifting anything over 10 kg for the first four to six weeks. This includes shopping bags, children, and any pushing or pulling of heavy objects.

Gym workouts: Hold off on core work for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid other gym workouts for at least four weeks. Return gradually and follow your body’s lead.

Running: Avoid running for a minimum of four weeks post-surgery.

Driving after bariatric surgery

Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication. 

You can return to driving once you are off pain relief and can perform an emergency stop comfortably and without hesitation. For most patients, this is around five to seven days after surgery.

Returning to work

A desk-based or sedentary role can typically be resumed within one to two weeks. Jobs involving physical labour, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing generally require four to six weeks off. Discuss your specific role with Dr Winnett if you are unsure.

Intimacy after bariatric surgery

Sexual activity can resume when you feel comfortable and ready. For most patients, this is around one to two weeks post-surgery.

Warning signs after bariatric surgery

Nowadays, bariatric surgery is considered a very safe procedure, with a similar safety profile to a knee replacement.

Normal post-operative side effects include mild abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, mild nausea, fatigue, reduced appetite, and bruising at the wound site.

Contact us or seek urgent care immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Increasing redness or swelling at the wound site
  • Worsening or severe abdominal pain that is not controlled by pain medication
  • Fever
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Confusion, dizziness or fainting
  • A racing heart rate (this can be an early sign of a staple line leak or, following bypass, an anastomotic leak)

When in doubt, contact the team. Early communication is always the right call.

Talk to the Winnett Specialist Group team

Every patient’s surgery and recovery are different. The information on this page provides a general guide based on Dr Jason Winnett’s approach to bariatric surgery in Melbourne. We always tailor instructions to your specific procedure, health history, and circumstances.

If you have questions about what to expect on surgery day or during your recovery, the team at Winnett Specialist Group is available to help.