Life After Surgery

Since most bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, you will most likely be discharged from the hospital one to two days after your operation–barring any complications.

 

Follow-up appointments vary by patient, but schedules generally look like this:

  • 2 weeks after surgery
  • 6 weeks after surgery
  • 4 months after surgery
  • 8-10 months after surgery
  • 16-18 months after surgery
  • Annually as needed

Since the way your body handles and digests food will change dramatically, you will be put on a strict diet by your weight-loss surgeon.

Below is a typical post-surgery diet:

  • 1-3 days after surgery: Clear liquids only (broth, diet gelatin, decaf tea, etc.)
  • 4-14 days: Full liquids (skim milk, condensed cream soups, protein drinks, etc.)
  • Weeks 3-6: Soft and blended diet (soft meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, mashed potatoes, etc.)
  • Week 6 and on: Low fat, low sugar, and low calorie solid foods

Once you’re back on solid foods, it’s imperative that you maintain healthy eating habits. We’ve created a few helpful and printable information sheets to help you below. Stick them on your fridge or keep them accessible for easy access.

Exercise – You’ll start losing weight–and fast–almost immediately after surgery. To maintain muscle mass while losing fat, it’s important to exercise. Staying active is also a crucial part of your long-term weight management program. Short, frequent walks are usually recommended for the first few weeks after surgery. After that, your exercise routine should gradually become more strenuous and include both aerobic and strength training exercises. Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise plan.

Since your body is losing weight at such a rapid pace, there are bound to be some side effects.

Some of the most common complaints of bariatric surgery patients are:

  • Nausea and vomiting – This is rarely a complication of the surgery, but rather a result of poor post-operative eating habits. Eating too fast, not chewing food properly, and not following your strict diet are causes of nausea and vomiting.
  • Dehydration – Dehydration is an important concern for weight loss surgery patients. To avoid dehydration, it’s important to sip small amounts of water or low-calorie beverages between meals.
  • Dumping Syndrome – Some patients may experience a side effect known as “dumping syndrome” when they consume food with high sugar content. Symptoms may include weakness, nausea and light-headedness. It usually passes within 45 minutes.
  • Lactose intolerance – Patients who never before had a problem with dairy products may develop lactose intolerance after surgery. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence and nausea. If you believe you have become lactose intolerant, stop consuming dairy products for a few days and monitor your symptoms. Lactaid® pills and milk products are effective ways to counter these symptoms.
  • Hair-loss – Most patients experience some degree of hair loss in the first year. This is caused by your body being in a state of malnutrition due to rapid weight loss and reduced calorie intake. This condition is nothing to be alarmed of and usually corrects itself about nine months after surgery. 
  • Diarrhea – Loose stools are common in the days and weeks immediately after your surgery. This is your body’s natural response to malabsorption. Diarrhea normally resolves over time, and patients can eventually expect one to three normal bowel movements per day. Experiencing diarrhea two to three months after surgery is most likely a result of your diet.
  • Constipation – Constipation is normal for the first few months after surgery. This is due to your high protein, low fiber diet. Prune juice, soft fruits and vegetables, and over-the-counter remedies such as Milk of Magnesia can help resolve constipation. This problem should go away as you begin to introduce more fiber into your diet. Keep in mind that you will most likely not have as many bowel movements as you did prior to surgery.
  • Headaches/Dizziness – Most headaches and dizziness can be attributed to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water (48-64 ounces a day). This might be difficult immediately after your surgery, so we recommend keeping water near you at all times, and sipping frequently. Lack of food may also cause headaches, so be sure to eat several small meals throughout the day as well.