When you’re preparing for gastric sleeve surgery, one of the most important steps is your consultation with the surgeon. This meeting isn’t just a formality – it’s your opportunity to ask questions, set expectations, and make sure you’re fully comfortable with what lies ahead.
Before our own surgeries, we spent hours researching what to ask. Looking back, these are the 15 key questions that helped us feel confident and informed – and that we’d recommend you take with you to your own appointment.
1. How many gastric sleeve surgeries have you performed?
Experience matters. You want to be sure your surgeon has carried out a high number of successful procedures. A good surgeon will have no issue discussing their background, number of operations performed, and complication rates.
2. What are the short- and long-term risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
Every surgery carries risk. Ask for an honest breakdown of both short-term (bleeding, leaks, infection) and long-term risks (reflux, nutrient deficiencies). Understanding these upfront will help you prepare and spot warning signs early.
3. How do you decide whether a gastric sleeve or another procedure (like bypass) is best?
In some cases, a bypass or mini bypass might be a better fit depending on your health or history of reflux. We were booked for both and our surgeon made the final decision after pre-op tests. Make sure you understand how they’ll choose the safest and most effective option for you.
4. What should I do to prepare for surgery?
Ask about pre-operative steps, including the liver reduction diet, medication adjustments, and any required tests. Your preparation plays a huge part in a smooth operation and recovery.
5. What is the expected recovery time?
Everyone recovers differently. Ask how long you’ll be in hospital, when you can return to work, and when you’ll feel “normal” again. Our recovery times varied – Kirsten bounced back faster, while James faced complications – so it’s useful to know the full range.
6. What type of anaesthesia will be used?
This might sound like a small detail, but it’s an important one. James had an adverse reaction to anaesthesia during his surgery, which you can read about on our Aftercare page. Make sure your anaesthetist is aware of any previous issues or sensitivities.
7. What happens if complications arise during or after surgery?
A good clinic will have clear contingency plans. Ask who will handle complications if they occur and whether you’ll be covered by insurance or hospital policy for any follow-up procedures.
8. What kind of pain management will I receive?
Discomfort is normal after surgery, but understanding how pain will be managed – both in hospital and at home – helps set realistic expectations. Ask about medication types, frequency, and any side effects.
9. How much weight can I realistically expect to lose?
This varies by person and depends on your starting weight, age, gender, and lifestyle. Ask your surgeon for personalised expectations. On average, people lose 60–70% of their excess weight within the first 12–18 months – though consistency plays the biggest role.
10. What support do you provide after surgery?
Aftercare is just as important as the surgery itself. Ask if follow-up appointments, dietitian support, and mental health resources are included in your package. The first six months are critical, and support makes a world of difference.
11. How should I expect my diet to change after surgery?
Ask about the four post-op food stages – liquids, purées, soft foods, and solids – and how long you’ll be on each. Each surgeon’s guidelines differ slightly, so it’s good to clarify this early.
12. What supplements will I need to take?
Gastric sleeve surgery changes how your body absorbs nutrients. You’ll likely need daily supplements like iron, B12, calcium, and multivitamins. We learned this the hard way – our supplements and vitamins page outlines what we take now and why it matters.
13. How soon can I exercise after surgery?
Ask when you can begin light activity (like walking) and when it’s safe to resume more strenuous exercise. Overdoing it too soon can cause pain or slow healing – something James learned the hard way!
14. How do you handle follow-up care if I’m travelling from abroad?
If, like us, you’re having surgery abroad, this is a vital question. Find out what post-op communication looks like, whether you can message your surgeon or nurse directly, and how they manage follow-ups remotely once you’re back home.
When we chose Weightloss Riga, we confirmed this before travelling and even had our office manager in Riga check the clinic’s reputation locally to make sure everything was legitimate – a step we highly recommend.
15. What does the total cost include?
Always ask for a full breakdown. Does the price cover anaesthesia, aftercare, tests, and medication? Are there hidden costs for hospital stays or private rooms? Transparency matters – we found that Weightloss Riga’s “black and white” pricing made decision-making far easier.
Your consultation is your chance to ask anything and everything. There are no silly questions. This is your body, your health, and your future – make sure you feel completely confident in your surgeon and their team.
Bring your questions written down, take notes during the meeting, and don’t leave until you feel fully informed. The more you understand going in, the smoother and less stressful your journey will be.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience with gastric sleeve surgery. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your bariatric surgeon or healthcare provider for personalised guidance.