Bariatric Surgery and Medically Managed Weight Loss Services

What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery

While weight loss surgery can help address obesity, it is not the final step in sustaining weight loss. Patients must also make lifestyle adjustments to reach and maintain a healthy goal weight. To ensure you’re on the path toward success, the bariatric surgery team at TGH will provide comprehensive support well beyond your hospital stay.

Following surgery, our surgeon and staff will:

• Closely monitor your progress at regular follow-up appointments
• Guide you in following a personalized nutrition and exercise plan
• Explain the importance of eating and drinking exactly what your care team recommends, to help you to avoid complications, such as dehydration, constipation and kidney stones
• Help you gradually increase your food intake over time
• Develop a list of recommended daily vitamins and supplements for you to take

What To Consider Following Weight Loss Surgery

During the adjustment period after bariatric surgery, consider the following:

• Commit to adhering to your care plan, knowing that it will be a challenge to develop new eating and exercise habits. Build a strong support network with friends, family and your health care team to help you navigate the emotional journey and celebrate milestones with you.
• Anticipate surprising changes, such as altered food preferences and temporary hair loss (which can occur three to six months following surgery). Getting adequate nutrition will spur the regrowth of hair.
• Prioritize regular, modest physical activity for better health outcomes, stress management and appetite control. Begin slowly under your care team's guidance and listen to your body when it’s time to rest and recharge.
• Expect weight plateaus as your body adjusts. Consult your care team for modifications to your nutrition plan and exercise routine and be sure to get plenty of sleep.
• Seek connection through a bariatric weight loss surgery support group to share experiences and tips, encourage each other and hear others’ success stories.

What is Medically Managed Weight Loss?

Medically managed weight loss refers to a structured program supervised by healthcare professionals to assist people with achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. This approach is an alternative to bariatric procedures. It is an excellent option for individuals who do not qualify for or are not interested in surgical weight loss surgery.

In a medically managed weight loss program, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, such as physicians, dietitians and other specialists, oversee the process, often incorporating dietary plans, exercise regimens, medications like GLP-1s[JP3.1], lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring of progress. The goal is to promote safe and sustainable weight loss while addressing underlying health issues associated with obesity. Medical supervision ensures that the weight loss plan aligns with the individual's overall health and medical history.

Medically Managed Weight Loss Programs at TGH

There is plenty of conflicting advice about diet and exercise out in the world, which can make the process of creating a healthier lifestyle and losing weight confusing and overwhelming for many people.

At TGH, our medically managed weight loss program takes a holistic, lifestyle-based approach to health and wellness. Under the supervision of our board-certified surgeons—who have specialized training in treating patients struggling with obesity—we employ evidence-based strategies for dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help patients achieve their long-term health objectives.

To ensure lasting weight loss, true lifestyle changes are required. For this reason, we provide services tailored to each patients’ specific needs, including:

• Nutrition and guidance
• Exercise planning
• Behavior modification
• Educational programs
• And much more

Get Started

Here’s how to get started on your journey to weight loss with the TGH bariatrics team!

Step #1: Contact Our Office and View an Online Seminar

Contact our office to begin your journey toward a healthier lifestyle! A helpful bariatric team member will answer your questions and schedule a consultation. Call our Brooksville office at (352) 576-5085 to get started. We recommend watching our Online Bariatric Seminar at your convenience for to prepare you for your consultation.

Step #2: Complete Initial Paperwork

If you decide to become a part of our bariatric program, we’ll send you more information about the records and health documents we’ll need to get you started.

Step #3: Prepare for the Initial Appointment and Pre-Surgical Plan

Expect to spend about an hour and a half with our team during the initial appointment. If surgery is recommended, a personalized pre-surgical plan will be created. Implementing the pre-surgical plan may span several months[JP6.1], especially if your insurance requires steps such as obtaining clearance letters and undergoing a psychological evaluation. Our team can help guide you through each step of this process efficiently.

Step #4: Get Educated

Understanding the ins and outs of our medically managed weight loss and bariatric surgery programs is vital to your success. Our education program offers essential classes on nutrition, exercise and pre- and post-surgery recommendations. Our team will ensure you have the tools and support you need to make and sustain lifelong health changes.

Step #5: Prepare for Surgery

Depending on the procedure performed, you can expect your bariatric surgery to last about two hours and your post-surgical hospital stay to last around two days. You will likely be able to return to work within two weeks, but this will be determined by your surgeon. Sometimes, additional restrictions may apply.

Step #6: Focus on Follow-Up Care

After surgery, our team will collaborate closely with your primary care physician so your physical recovery can stay on track. We’ll schedule regular visits with our registered dietitian and exercise physiologist to help you manage your weight safely. In addition, you can join support groups that will provide ongoing encouragement and education from other patients and professional staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These FAQs provide helpful guidance on safety, eligibility and what to expect as you explore whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

Is weight loss surgery safe?

Weight loss surgery is generally safe when performed on appropriate candidates by experienced surgeons like Dr. Ajmal Baig, but the risks and benefits will vary from patient to patient.

Can bariatric surgery help my Type 2 diabetes?

Yes, bariatric surgery can lead to positive effects on type 2 diabetes, often leading to significant improvements or even remission in some cases.

Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Whether you qualify for weight loss surgery depends on factors such as your BMI, whether you have obesity-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure) and your medical history, among others. Our team can help you determine if you’re a candidate for a bariatric procedure.

Begin the process of finding out if you’re eligible for surgery by viewing our Online Bariatric Seminar.

Use this BMI calculator to discover your BMI number.

How does bariatric surgery compare to GLP-1s?

GLP-1s (or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that help curb appetite and support weight loss, often leading to 10–20% body weight reduction. Bariatric surgery goes further—patients typically lose 25–35% of their weight, with longer-lasting results. In addition, bariatric surgery is often a more cost-effective option compared to the cost of weekly injections.

Can I take GLP-1s before or after bariatric surgery?

Yes. GLP-1s can sometimes be used before surgery to help patients lose weight and lower surgical risks, or after surgery if weight regain occurs. In some cases, combining GLP-1s with bariatric surgery offers the most comprehensive option to treating obesity but our team can help you determine the best approach for your needs.

What are some common benefits of weight loss surgery other than losing weight?

Besides weight loss, common benefits of weight loss surgery include improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and overall quality of life. However, results can vary from patient to patient.

How much weight can I expect to lose after having weight loss surgery?

Weight loss after surgery varies, but many individuals can expect significant reductions. Weight loss will depend on factors such as the type of procedure performed, adherence to lifestyle changes and individual metabolism.

Contact Our Team

To schedule a consultation or request more information about our bariatric program, call one of our offices or fill out the form below to reach a member of our team.

Brooksville Office: (352) 576-5085

Crystal River Office:(352) 576-5020