Most patients recover after gastric bypass surgery without complications. Typically, those who perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, which involves concentrating the stomach and passing through the first part of the small intestine, stay in the hospital for two to four days. Some gastric bypass procedures can have short or long recovery times. In addition to the common risks associated with surgery such as infection, after gastric bypass surgery, patients should be more sensitive to their diet. As surgery exceeds the portion of the small intestine that causes the absorption of most nutrients, patients may experience problems such as iron deficiency (anemia), calcium deficiency leading to bone formation, vitamin B12 deficiency and more. With advice on healthy eating and supplements, these effects can be greatly reduced. After gastric bypass surgery, it is also possible that the patient may develop “dumping syndrome,” an unpleasant reaction to a diet low in carbohydrates that includes abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and sweating after meals. Since the stomach becomes very sensitive a few weeks after gastric bypass surgery, patients initially live on a low-fat or low-fat diet. After that, a solid diet will make the patient feel full much faster as a new stomach bag usually holds only a tablespoon of food. The bag will eventually be enlarged and the patient is expected to eat a few small meals throughout the day. In addition, the stomach will probably not be able to handle both solid and liquid foods at the same time the fluid and food will need to be separated for at least 30 minutes. Consumption of fatty foods, alcohol, and sugar will not be tolerated by the digestive system after gastric bypass surgery and will make you sick. Walking exercises should begin immediately after hospitalization but strenuous exercise should be introduced gradually at 6-8 weeks after surgery. Excess weight loss will begin soon after gastric bypass surgery and usually lasts 18-24 months after surgery when most patients have lost between 50% and 100% of their excess weight. This depends, however, on their commitment to follow dietary guidelines and lifestyle stated by their doctor and dietitian. Remember that surgery is not the solution in itself and the results will depend on the patient's commitment to proper diet and exercise.
Recovery Time Line
You will be hospitalized for about two to five days after your surgery. Hospital stays are usually shorter in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass compared to open surgery.
While staying in the hospital, expect:
Get your vital signs and symptoms (pain or nausea) under the supervision of a nurse.
• Start drinking pure liquid in the morning on the second day after your surgery. Your diet may be enhanced by a full intake of protein shakes (if tolerated) during lunch.
• Use a breathing apparatus called an incentive spirometer to help enlarge your lungs after surgery.
• Wear compact boots and take a blood thinner to prevent blood clots in your legs.
• Remove your catheter the day after your surgery.
• Start doing leg and leg exercises, followed by getting out of bed and walking (usually the first day or two after surgery). Your nurse or physical therapist will help you with this.
• Switch to oral contraceptives.
Once you leave home, your surgeon will give you the following instructions:
• Gradually move from liquid foods to soft foods and eventually to solid foods (this process takes place within six weeks). Take daily nutritional supplements (complex multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12).
• Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day to avoid dehydration.
• Walk daily with the goal of walking 2 miles a day or more for the sixth week after surgery.
• Avoid hard work 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects (anything weighing more than 20 to 30 pounds) for the first six weeks after surgery.
• Avoid driving until you have completed all the pain medication prescribed by your doctor, one week after the operation.
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