Weight Loss Surgery Timeline
Hospital Stay
Every patient's hospital stay is different, but the following is a typical hospital course. After you arrive in your room the nursing staff will set up a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for pain control. You will also be asked to begin walking the halls the day of your surgery. Early ambulation is an important part of a safe and more rapid recovery. You will also be encouraged to take deep breaths and use a device called an incentive spirometer to help reduce your risk of pneumonia. The night of surgery you will be allowed to eat ice chips and have sips of some liquids, but will not be allowed to have anything to eat.
The first day after surgery most patients start the stage I bariatric diet, which includes low calorie and non-carbonated liquids and sugar-free Jell-O. You may undergo an x-ray study where you drink a small amount of contrast liquid. If you had a catheter in your bladder during the surgery it is usually removed on the first or second day after surgery. You will also start to take oral pain medications on the first or second day after your surgery (crushed pills or liquid form), and you will no longer need your PCA pump.
You will be discharged on the first, second or third day after surgery depending on the type of surgery you had performed.
Prior to discharge you will be given detailed instructions regarding your recovery, medications, and follow-up. Your medications on discharge from the hospital will include pain medication, a chewable multivitamin, a sleeping pill and any other essential medications your doctors prescribe. You will be able to take most medications after surgery. BMI will tell you which medications to avoid.