Early ambulation is thought to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and respiratory complications. In contrast, early inadequate postoperative pain management can lead to hypoxemia, hypercarbia and atelectasis. However, the use of opioids for pain control is limited in bariatric surgery due to sedative effect which might worsen obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a common comorbidity amongst morbidly obese patients and opioid-sparing techniques might help avoid respiratory complications.