Bariatric surgery is a type of gastric bypass surgery that involves making changes to your digestive system in order to help you lose weight. This surgery is typically performed when diet and exercise haven’t been successful in helping you lose the necessary weight. It may also be recommended by your doctor when you have serious health problems because of your weight.
It’s a big decision and it makes sense that you’d turn to prayer for help.
The procedure limits how much you can eat, or it works by reducing your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Some procedures may work on both levels. Since all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects, it is natural to have some anxiety or fear prior to the surgery.
Always seek clear medical advice from your doctor, and remember, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (I Timothy 2.7 NIV).
The seven prayers below are in chronological order for this type of surgery, from considering having it done, to the surgery itself, through recovery afterward. Please choose the prayer that suits your current circumstance.
If you are praying for a friend or family member who is having bariatric surgery, then simply change the pronouns in each prayer accordingly. We invite you to share your own prayer requests with us in the comments section where you can also hear from others who are considering or have recently had bariatric surgery.
Prayer When Considering Bariatric Surgery
Dear God, I’m not sure what to do. I have tried every diet I can find and I exercise every day, but nothing is really working. I’ll lose some pounds, but not enough. My health is suffering and my doctor said my extra weight will end up shortening my life. I don’t want that! I want to be around for my spouse, my kids, and all my friends.
My doctor gave me some information about bariatric surgery, and I’ve looked at it. I’m just not sure. I need guidance, God, to make this decision because there’s a lot to consider. For the surgery to be a success, I’ll have to make permanent changes in my meals and activity after the surgery. I’m not sure I have the confidence to do all that.
Please give me insight, wisdom and courage to see what I need to do, and do it. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer Before Bariatric Surgery
Father God, I’m doing the surgery! I don’t want my weight to increase my chances for heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes. So, I’m stepping out in faith with you, and trust in my doctor that this procedure will work. They’ve told me to take a long view on this as it takes time for the changes to be seen. I’m hopeful! I’ve been prepped and I’m about to enter the surgical suite—thank you for your presence with me.
I pray, God, for you to guide the doctor and nurses as they perform this surgery. Keep them and the anesthesiologist attentive throughout the whole procedure. Please grant my family a measure of peace as they wait for me to be wheeled into recovery. Thank you in advance, God. Amen!
Prayer For a Friend While Bariatric Surgery is Happening
O God our Healer, I pray for (name) while he is in surgery now. He worked so hard to lose the weight he needed to lose, but he was getting so frustrated at the lack of results. I’m thankful, God, that you guided him to this option and that you gave him strength to choose it. I know he was nervous this morning, but reminded him you are “God with us,” and that means even in surgery!
I pray for his health during this surgery, and even when he is under anesthesia, that he has peace in his heart and mind. (Name) is trusting that this will enable him to live into a new place of health. All of us want that for him and support him in this life choice. I pray this for (name) in the healing name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer After Bariatric Surgery While in the Hospital
Gracious God, I made it out of surgery with no complications, according to the doctor! Thank you, O God! As I prepare to get discharged, I ask that this positive momentum continue as I return home. Keep me focused on the reasons I undertook this surgery: Health and life with my family!
Thank you for the support of my family who helped me make this choice, and who are willing to make changes in food preparation to help me when I get home. Thank you for your provision through health insurance covering most of the cost of this surgery. You have done so much for me, God. Gratefully praying through Jesus, Amen!
Short Prayer After Bariatric Surgery While at Home
Dear Father in Heaven, I’m home now and feeling a little nauseous and dizzy, but the doctor said that was fairly normal. Help me adjust to anesthesia wearing off as I recover here at home. I’m grateful for my spouse being able to take off work for a couple days to make sure I’m okay.
I want to do all the things I am supposed to do, so give me strength to get up and walk around, and shift positions in bed regularly. I want to ensure I have good blood flow and no clots! I give you thanks, Lord, that healing still takes place, even through medical procedures. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
Dear God, I’m trying to adjust to a new way of eating after surgery. It’s a little more challenging than I imagined. I knew I would have to eat smaller portions, or perhaps not eat as often as I used to. I’ve been having a good deal of acid reflux. My doctor said that’s common, but it’s hard to get used to, so I’m asking for patience.
I’ve been surprised that some of the foods I used to eat before the surgery are not what I want to eat now. I’m okay with that, I think, but I’m asking you, God, to help me. I’m not sure what to ask for exactly, but I know I need help—I can’t do this on my own! I’ll keep holding on to the promise than when I’m weak, you are strong!
Help me take one day at a time, one meal at a time, knowing that with each positive change I make in my eating, my activity, and my outlook, I am one step closer to where I want to be—healthy! Thank you for listening to me, Lord, as I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Making Life Changes After Bariatric Surgery
Father God, it’s been a few months since I had my surgery and I can tell a positive difference. I pray for continued patience as I know it can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months for most of the excess weight to come off. The surgery itself didn’t take long, but this is not a quick fix!
I ask you to help me stay focused on living into this new lifestyle and way of interacting with food. Thank you, God, for my friends who encourage me with accountability to exercise by joining me at the gym. Thank you for my family who understand that I may not clean my plate like I used to. Mostly though, Lord, I want to thank you for how this has changed my life and my outlook. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Closing Thoughts
Bariatric surgery is a big decision and requires a lot of time and focus after it occurs. We hope these prayers are helpful to you or someone you know who is considering it or has undergone the surgery. We also have several healing prayers for the family that can also be useful during this time.
Please share these prayers with them, even as you pray over them. You can also submit your own prayer requests to us below in the comments section—let us hear from you!
