Postoperatively, it is important to make sure the patient is extubated easily and successfully. The anesthesia team will make sure to extubate only after a patient can follow simple commands and demonstrate good tidal volumes independently. Once the patient is extubated, they should be safely transported off the surgical table. A bariatric bed should be available as well as a bariatric sliding sheet with plenty of staff available to help transport the patient [4].

As the patient is transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), a transfer of care report should be given. All incision sites should be reassessed for integrity. All potential pressure points should also be assessed for any signs of ulceration or ecchymosis. Skin folds should be carefully examined as these can be easily missed. Intravenous fluids should be continued for additional resuscitation. Thromboembolic compression stockings should be continued. A monitor should also be attached to continue to assess for perfusion, oxygenation, and hemodynamic stability with continuous vital signs. Deep breathing and coughing should be encouraged once the patient is able to sit upright and follow more complex commands. Once this has been achieved and the patient meets discharge criteria, they will be transported to a hospital floor and continue on with phase I of the bariatric postoperative course.