Why We Follow Our Bariatric Surgery Patients for Two Years

One of the common questions we hear is:

“Why do I need follow up appointments after my surgery?”

It’s a reasonable question. The operation itself takes only 45 minutes to 2 hours — but the changes it creates in the body unfold over many months.

At Morphē, we follow patients closely for two years because that is the period where the body adapts, habits form, and long-term results are established. Our goal is not simply weight loss, but durable health improvement.

Surgery Starts the Process — It Doesn’t Finish It

After bariatric surgery, your metabolism, appetite signals, nutrition and energy balance all begin to change.

These changes occur in stages.

The First Year: Rapid Change

During the first 6–12 months, most patients lose the majority of their excess weight.

Many obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea often improve early in this phase.

Although positive, this is also when the body is adjusting most rapidly.

Because procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass alter how food is processed and absorbed, nutritional monitoring becomes essential.

We monitor for:

– Iron deficiency

– Vitamin B12 depletion

– Calcium and vitamin D imbalance

– Muscle loss during rapid weight reduction

Blood tests allow us to identify changes early — often before symptoms appear — and adjust supplements or diet accordingly.

We also review medications.

As weight falls, treatments that were once necessary may become excessive. Adjusting them safely is part of postoperative care.

The Second Year: Stabilisation and Habit Formation

Weight loss naturally slows during the second year.

This stage is less about the operation and more about adaptation — how eating patterns, hunger cues and daily routines settle into a sustainable rhythm.

This is also when long-term success is decided.

We support patients with:

– structured eating patterns

– recognising early return of hunger signals

– preventing gradual regain

– maintaining nutrition beyond the initial weight-loss phase

Some nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and B12, commonly appear later rather than earlier. Ongoing monitoring helps prevent these from becoming significant health issues.

Why Two Years?

International bariatric clinical guidelines recommend structured multidisciplinary follow-up for at least two years after surgery, as this is the period where nutritional risks, metabolic changes and behavioural adaptation are most active.

By around 24 months:

– Weight has stabilised

– Eating patterns are established

– Supplement requirements are personalised

– Medical risks are significantly lower

At this point, most patients can transition to routine long-term monitoring with their GP, with our team available if needed.

A Partnership Approach

Surgery provides a powerful physiological tool.

Follow-up provides the education and support that helps it work long term.

We continue care for two years because lasting outcomes depend on guidance during this adjustment phase — not just the operation itself.

Our role is to walk alongside you while your body adapts, so the benefits you achieve can be maintained well beyond the early weight loss period.

Follow up appointments take place at Morphē, in North Adelaide with our clinicians.