Home from Having Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect

September 4, 2019

Congratulations! After months of anticipation, it is finally time to have your weight loss surgery. This is an exciting time, but it can also be scary. Your body may begin to experience many changes. Here is a brief look at what to expect after you come home from having bariatric surgery.

You're Home After Having Bariatric Surgery, What To Expect

Diet

Adjusting to the changes from your surgery will be a gradual process.

Expect to be on liquids for the first few weeks after surgery. Over the next few weeks, the foods you may eat will be of a more solid consistency. Be sure to work with your dietician to help determine the best foods to meet your nutritional needs. Remember to take small bites and chew well. Take your time. It may take 15 to 30 minutes to complete a meal. You may find it helpful to drink fluids between meals rather than with them to avoid getting full too quickly.

You may have some nausea with the first few meals you eat. This should improve as you become accustomed to your change in eating habits. Cold liquids may help with this initially. If you find that you are having persistent nausea, with or without vomiting, and are unable to keep down enough food or liquid to stay hydrated, contact your physician as soon as possible. Dehydration is a very serious problem after surgery and one that we hope to avoid.

Wound Care

Caring for your incisions should be fairly simple. You may find that you have small strips of tape (Steri-Strips) or a waterproof “glue” over your incisions. These products will fall off on their own over the next 7-10 days.

The incisions may be closed with stitches, which will dissolve over time. Or, there may be staples in place which will need to be removed in 7-10 days. Regardless, it is important to keep the sites clean and dry. When bathing, gently clean your incisions with soap and water. Avoid soaking the areas until cleared by your surgeon.  Make note of any redness, warmth or drainage from your incisions. This may be the sign of an infection and a call to your surgeon is in order.

Pain

Expect to have some pain, even after coming home. This is normal.

Remember, you just had major surgery. You may find that you are sore at your incisions in particular. Many people describe this feeling like you “just did a lot of sit-ups.” This gets better as time goes on. A warm pad or ice pack may help. If you find that your pain is increasing or isn’t helped by the recommended medications, call your physician.

Follow Up Appointments

You will most likely have pre-arranged appointments to see your surgeon and care team shortly after you get home from the hospital, usually with 10 to 14 days.

It is important to attend these visits, even if you feel like you are doing well. This is an opportunity to check your progress, ask questions, and resolve any issues you may be having.

Activity

It is important to stay active after coming home. You may feel weak or find that you get tired easily. Frequent daily walks are a good idea.

Gradually increase the distance as your stamina improves. Light household chores generally are okay. Avoid straining or heavy lifting immediately after getting home and for the first 3-6 weeks. Whatever you do, avoid sitting or standing without changing positions for long periods of time. This discourages the formation of blood clots in your legs.

Bowel Habits

One to three bowel movements per day is expected. You may find that you have difficulty at first.

Your body will have experienced several changes from its usual routine after surgery. Whether it is a change in the amount of food, less fluid intake than usual, or taking narcotic pain mediation, these are all common causes for constipation. Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement can help with this. Alternatively, diarrhea and excessive gas may be a sign of dietary intolerance or less than ideal food choices. Let your physician know if you experience either of these for more than a couple days.

Danger!

We hope that your recovery happens without any serious problems, however despite the best preparation and care, they can happen.

Contact your physician if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.5 or greater
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Nausea that is persistent or inability to keep liquids down
• Pain or swelling in your legs
• Decreased urination
• Pain not relieved by pain medication

Congratulations on the beginning of your new healthy lifestyle!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. John Jeffries received his Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors from the University of Kentucky. He attended medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. He successfully completed a general surgery residency at Virginia Tech Carilion. Over the 5 years in residency, Dr. Jeffries received numerous awards for his compassion and empathy for his patients. He developed an interest in bariatric surgery and completed a one year fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

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