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Overview | Goals & Risks | Candidates | How It Works |
Procedure | Preoperative Testing | Complications of Surgery | Postoperative Care | Long-term Care | Expected Outcome | Case Studies | Questions and Answers
Postoperative Care for Bariatric Surgery Patients
Immediate post-operative care will likely involve:
- A hospital stay of 2-3 days is expected if the surgery is done laparoscopically; if the procedure was open, a slightly longer stay of 5 to 7 days is expected.
- Sometimes a tube is placed through the nose and into the stomach to drain the stomach pouch.
- One or more drains may be placed in the abdomen and will be removed as the drainage decreases and the bowel regains function.
- In the first few days postoperatively, oral pain medication will be provided as needed.
- Walking is very important and we'll encourage and assist you in doing so within hours of waking from surgery; moving your legs and pumping your feet while in bed is important to prevent blood clots.
- Diet is usually started soon after surgery, and initially consists of broth, sugar-free Jello, and hot tea.
- Once these clear liquids are tolerated, small meals of pureed preparations are introduced followed by high protein foods.
- When eating it is important to not "overload" since nausea, pain, vomiting, and possible injury to the surgical site can occur.
- Solid food is introduced at approximately 4 weeks, reducing eating habits to three meals a day.
- Water intake is only between meals, and small, frequent sips are recommended.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended: Initially, two chewable vitamins will be taken daily (ie, Bugs Bunny, Flinstones), whereas later, one prenatal vitamin with extra supplemental calcium daily is recommended.
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