After the Surgery

The early days and weeks after surgery are an important part of your journey. It’s a time to recover and contemplate your new, healthier lifestyle.
 

When you first get home:

Be sure to get plenty of rest and don’t lift anything over twenty pounds for two weeks. Try to walk as much as you comfortably can to help your recovery. Follow your immediate discharge instructions given to you by our team. Remember, right after surgery you will be on a liquid diet, although you will gradually progress to solid foods over the next few weeks.
 

Things to watch for:

Weight loss surgery has been proven to be safe. But as with any surgery, there can be complications. Some physical reactions are normal. There may be soreness at the incision site, or in your shoulder (both usually dissipate in a few days). Don’t hesitate to call our office if you experience anything you think is unusual. Call right away or come to Windber Medical Center’s emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms:
  •  Fever of 101 degrees or higher.
  •  Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
  •  Pain, redness, or swelling in one or both of your legs.
  •  Nausea or vomiting.
  •  Severe pain in your belly.
  •  Pain, swelling, or fluid leaking from your incisions.

Setting short-term expectations for long-term weight loss success:

It’s natural for you to want to start losing weight right away. However, you should know that the first month after surgery is a healing period. Right now it’s more important to let your stomach adjust to surgery than it is to lose weight.
 

Emotionally: 

With the changes that are now taking place in your life, being home may have you feeling excited — or even a little nervous. No matter what, it’s important you stay connected to your feelings. That way, your emotional progress can be as significant as your weight loss progress.
 

What you can eat:

In the first few weeks after your surgery, your diet will gradually progress from liquids to soft foods, and finally to solid food. As you explore your new relationship with food, you’ll follow a general timeline for your dietary progression. Remember that everyone is different. Always ask our team for advice specific to your needs.
 

Follow up: 

This is a key part of your weight loss journey. Studies have shown that patients who maintain regular long term follow up lose more weight and keep that weight off better. In the first year after surgery follow up is more frequent. You will have 3 visits in the first month then approximately monthly for the rest of the first year. In the second year the duration between appointments may be extended to 3 month intervals, depending on how well your weight loss is progressing. To ensure your continued success, we want you to have all the information, tools, and support you need to stay motivated and on track. At any point throughout your journey that you need to be seen, our office has an open door policy. All you have to do is call and we are happy to see you.