Surgery - What to Expect

Before You Arrive

You’ll receive a call from the hospital with your arrival time. As a general guide:

• Morning surgeries: arrive at 6:00–6:30am
• Afternoon surgeries: arrive at 9:30–10:00am

Make sure to fast from midnight the night before — no food, water, gum, or mints unless otherwise instructed. If you're unsure, check with your surgeon or the hospital team.

At the Hospital

When you arrive:

• You’ll check in at front reception
• Wait in a pre-surgical lounge until your bed is ready
• Change into a hospital gown and wear compression stockings (TEDS) — these help prevent blood clots during and after surgery
• A nurse will review your fasting status, medications, and consent form

If you're feeling anxious, let the nursing team know — the anaesthetist can offer a mild sedative to help you relax before your procedure.

Your surgeon and anaesthetist will meet with you in the holding bay to answer any last-minute questions and confirm the plan.

The Operation

• Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): typically takes 1 hour. Find out more here
• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y or One Anastomosis): may take 1-2 hours depending on the type. Find out more here

All procedures are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic.

In Recovery

After surgery:

• You’ll wake up in the recovery room, where your vital signs will be monitored closely
• You may feel groggy or not remember much — this is completely normal
• Once you're stable, a nurse and orderly will transfer you to the ward

First Night After Surgery

Back in your hospital room:

• You’ll continue to receive IV fluids and pain relief
• You’re allowed to sip small amounts of water, but don’t worry — hydration is covered by your IV
• Nursing staff will monitor your comfort, mobility, and vital signs regularly
• Visitors are welcome depending on hospital guidelines — check visiting hours and limits with your facility

ICU Stays (If Required)

Some patients will spend one night in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This is typically for:

• Patients with severe sleep apnoea
• BMI over 50
• Significant medical conditions that need extra monitoring

ICU provides 1:1 nursing care, focused on managing breathing, blood pressure, and pain safely. This is a precautionary step to ensure the best outcome for higher-risk patients.

Watch Dr Ruth Blackham explain more about what to expect from Surgery here: