There is much to consider when undergoing surgery including what you can expect in terms of the procedure itself and, of course, recovery following surgery. Every person is different and there are a variety of weight loss procedures so recovery differs from person to person as a result. While some people may recover rather quickly, others may find that they need more time to get back on their feet and back to their regular day-to-day activities.

While every experience may be different, here is some of what to expect while you recover from your weight loss surgery:

Immediately following surgery, you will remain in recovery for a period of time – typically 2 to 4 hours – following your procedure so that you can be watched to ensure that your vitals are stable and your pain is being appropriately managed.

The Lap-Band procedure generally allows for patients to be released to go home the same day as long as you are able to tolerate clear liquids. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients, however, are required to stay in the hospital for one or two nights.

Before discharge, your medical team will ensure that you are up and walking to help prevent blood clots, that your lungs are clear, and that your pain is under control.

One to two weeks after surgery you will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon and another one six weeks post-surgery during which you will have lab work done and undergo nutrition education. Additional follow-ups will be done six months and one-year post-surgery and then once a year every year after.

Staying in contact with your medical team following surgery is the best way to stay accountable and to ensure that you are doing all you can to remain healthy for a lifetime.