The usual length of stay in the hospital is 3-4 days if you are
having a gastric bypass, 2-3 days if you are having a sleeve
gastrectomy, and one day if you are having the adjustable gastric
band. The vast majority of patients stay in the hospital for
less than five days.
You should expect to be out of work for 4-6 weeks after having a
gastric bypass and 2-4 weeks if having a sleeve gastrectomy or
adjustable gastric banding.
You will have an appointment with your surgeon about two weeks
after your surgery and regularly after that to examine your
incisions and discuss common postoperative concerns.
Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients follow-up with
the surgeon again at 6 weeks and approximately every 3 months after
that for the first year. After this period, yearly follow-up visits
with your surgeon's office are strongly recommended.
Adjustable gastric banding patients will meet with the surgeon
and/or physician assistant at 6 weeks and generally every 1-2
months for band adjustments, as needed.
Laboratory tests will be required on a regular basis to evaluate
for vitamin and mineral deficiencies or other concerns.
After weight loss surgery, you must adjust to a new way of
eating, changing old behavior patterns, and a shifting body
image. Long-term follow-up and continued emotional support
are essential for a successful weight loss surgery outcome.
You are encouraged to attend the Lourdes Bariatric Support
Group. The support groups give patients the opportunity
to share their experiences and knowledge while supporting one
another through the postoperative process. We require that
ALL patients attend at least three weight loss surgery support
groups before surgery.
What about my diet after surgery?
The diet after weight loss surgery is very important part of the
weight loss surgery process. You will meet regularly with the
nutritionist before and after surgery to help you understand the
diet in detail. You will progress through a series of dietary
stages ranging from liquids to soft foods to solids. This
diet progression will ensure that you are eating safely and
nutritiously. Because weight loss surgery puts you at
risk for nutritional deficiencies, you will also be required to
take a multivitamin and calcium supplements every day for the rest
of your life. You will receive a detailed dietary booklet outlining
the postoperative diet and vitamin recommendations.
You will meet with the nutritionist approximately 2-3 weeks
after surgery. At this time, the postoperative diet
progression will be reviewed again. You will follow-up with
the nutritionist again at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. After
that, yearly follow-up is strongly recommended for long term
success and to have nutritional parameters checked.
