After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet. As a bariatric surgery patient, your responsibilities after surgery are significant. You will be expected to change your lifestyle – incorporating healthy diet and regular exercise. This lifestyle change will unlock the benefits of your surgery and assist you in reaching your ultimate weight loss goals.

The recovery process after surgery depends largely on a patient’s ability to heal and any complications that may arise during or after the procedure. Assuming few or no serious complications, gastric banding and gastric sleeve patients will usually leave the hospital after a night and gastric bypass patients after two. Some surgeons will perform a gastric band or sleeve in an outpatient setting, meaning patients can go home on the same day.

The first few weeks after bariatric surgery will be the toughest. You will be placed on a clear liquid diet that will progress to more solid foods over the course of several weeks. After that point, you should be able to eat healthy foods in moderation. Bear in mind that the amount of food that you will be able to eat after surgery will be far less than before. You will be given a comprehensive diet plan from your surgical practice to guide you at meal time.

The body and mind will undergo many changes as you lose weight. Your relationships may change. You will also experience new and different physical and psychological sensations. This is the time to create a solid support system consisting of your bariatric practice, your family and friends and regular attendance at support groups.