Post-Operation Gastric Bypass Tips

Although your surgeon is always your primary reference for gastric bypass surgery post-operative recovery information, this article will present some tips and suggestions commonly suggested by doctors who perform this weight loss surgery. These tips are for information and general planning purposes only. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice and it should be taken as such.

Dietary Considerations

Your body will go through a great deal of trauma as a result of gastric bypass surgery, and your ability to consume food will be restricted both in quantity and substance. Your doctor will most likely direct you to consume only clear fluids for the first few days after the gastric bypass weight loss surgical procedure. This is because not only is the available stomach space smaller, but the stomach has lost its ability to break down and process bulkier food and it will need time to redevelop this capability.

Once the initial clear fluid period has passed, your doctor will probably direct you to gradually move from a soft food diet to a more solid food diet over a period of six to eight weeks.

Physical Activity

Once you have recovered from the effects of prescribed pain medication and you can move around the home safely, you should be fine doing less strenuous activities, such as light house cleaning, going for a short walk, and other activities that do not put strain on your incision or cause you undue discomfort. Avoid heavy lifting and excessive bending or stair climbing.

Do not operate any vehicles or mechanical equipment until you have been cleared to do so by your physician!

Incision Management

Most gastric bypass surgery does not require any specific incision management except for whatever hygienic procedures suggested by your doctor. It most probable that you will not have any stitches or external staples that will need to be removed. Most incisions are closed with an adhesive bandage strip.

You will probably be allowed to take a quick shower starting the second day after your discharge from the hospital, but you will usually not be permitted to take a bath, soak in a hot tub, or swim until your incision is fully healed. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Medication

You will most likely have a pain management prescription and you doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. You will also be started on a lifetime regiment of taking various vitamins to compensate for the nutritional loss that occurs after gastric bypass surgery.

Your doctor will also review all of your other medications that you were taking prior to the gastric bypass surgery procedure and you may have to stop taking certain medications, or have them substituted with other medications, if there is a chance that taking them will upset your stomach.

Summary

While gastric bypass surgery is a life-changing event for you, recovery should be a relatively easy process and, unless you experience unforeseen complications, you should expect to be back in work in as little as three to four weeks after your gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Good luck with your procedure!