Knowing what to expect after surgery can ease anxiety and promote a smoother recovery. Here is some essential information about bariatric surgery post-op care and what you can expect during your weight loss surgery recovery. Remember, our team will be with you every step of the way, providing personalized support and guidance.
What to Expect in the Hospital Or Surgery Center
Your recovery after weight loss surgery begins immediately after the procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your surgical center or hospital stay.
Monitoring
Our medical staff will closely monitor you in the recovery room to ensure your vital signs are stable.
Pain management
Pain medication will be administered to keep you comfortable. It’s important to communicate any discomfort you experience to the nursing staff.
Early ambulation
You’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and walk as soon as possible to promote blood flow and prevent complications.
Clear liquid diet
You’ll start on a clear liquid diet and gradually progress to pureed foods as tolerated.
Typical stay
Most patients stay in the hospital for one day. Surgery center patients go home the same day depending on the type of procedure and individual circumstances.
Your recovery after weight loss surgery begins immediately after the procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your surgical center or hospital stay.
Important Considerations for Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
One of the most significant post-surgical risks is pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). To minimize this risk, we encourage the following throughout your surgery center or hospital stay.
- Early ambulation: Continue walking as much as possible while in the surgery center, hospital and at home.
- Blood thinners: You’ll receive a dose of blood thinner before the surgery depending on level of risk. You will need to continue to take the prescribed blood thinner at home as directed by your surgeon starting on day one after the surgery.
- Compression devices: You’ll wear compression devices on your legs while in bed to promote blood flow.
- Hydration: Taking your fluids and staying well hydrated keeps your blood flowing and prevents DVT and PE.
Returning Home with Your At-Home Recovery Plan
Your weight loss surgery recovery continues once you return home. Here’s what to expect.
Recovery time
Plan to take at least 7-14 days off from work. If you return sooner, try a part-time schedule.
Lifting restrictions
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 25 pounds for at least 4 weeks. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Wound care
You’ll have small incisions with steri strips. Showering is permitted 24 hours after surgery. Gently wash incisions with soapy water and pat dry. Leave steri strips intact; they’ll fall off on their own.
Sleeping
Sleep in any comfortable position. Trouble sleeping is common initially. Pain medication before bed may help.
Exercise
Begin light household activities and your new exercise routine immediately. Start slowly, with frequent breaks. Walking is highly recommended! As you heal and lose weight, exercise will become easier. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience redness, tenderness, fever above 100.5, yellow or green discharge, swelling, or bleeding that does not stop at the incision site.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately, as they could indicate a serious complication.
- Chest pain under the breastbone or one side, especially sharp or stabbing pain, burning, aching or dull, heavy sensation, or pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending, or stooping
- Cough, especially if it begins suddenly and/or has some blood or blood-streaked sputum
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath at rest, during activity, or with a sudden onset.
Your Personalized Recovery Journey
Your bariatric surgery post-op care will always be tailored to your individual needs. It’s crucial to work closely with Dr Beltre and our support team to monitor your progress and follow their specific guidance. We’re here to support you every step of the way to ensure a successful recovery and long-term weight loss success!