Gastric Bypass Guideline
Before Gastric Bypass Procedure
What to Avoid Before Surgery
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- Stop alcohol consumption at least 1 week prior.
- Do not drink anything with meals.
- Reduce caffeine intake.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
- Stop taking blood thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Coraspin, Alka-Seltzer).
- Discontinue Glucophage/Metformin 3 days before surgery.
- Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol, refined sugars, and sugar-added foods.
- Stay away from fried foods and fast food.
Pre-Surgery Diet Guidelines
Follow a strict diet to adjust to your new lifestyle.
Focus on protein-rich foods at every meal.
Use multivitamin supplements to meet your vitamin/mineral needs.
The day before surgery: only clear liquid diet (no solid food).
- You can mix fruit juice with skim milk.
- Drink strained vegetable broth.
- Add cinnamon to soy milk or milk to ease the day.
Day 1 Surgery Day
- In the surgery day, you are not allowed to chew gum, drink any liquids, take any medications.
- After the surgery is done, you will be in the recovery room. You should rest and do not move during this period.
- You may feel pain in your incision or discomfort from how you were laying during surgery. Some neck or shoulder pain is also common.
- Each day after surgery you will notice less and less pain. *Pain and nausea will continue to be managed with IV medication.
- Start drinking clear liquids after you pass your “leak test”
- It is recommended to do short walks. Get out of bed and walk around at least 3 times per day.
Day 2–3 Post-Op
- Most patients leave the hospital 2 or 3 days after surgery and transition to the following at-home recovery plan.
- Keep your incision clean. Gently wash with soap and water (no scrubbing), then dry gently but thoroughly.
- Keep covered with sterile bandages.
- Take prescription pain medication as needed.
- Continue clear liquids only.
- It is recommended to do walks. Walk around at least 3 times per day.
Day 5 & Beyond
- You’ll probably be able to shower and start light activity 5 days into your gastric sleeve recovery.
- Can start taking showers or baths (avoid hot tub or jacuzzi).
- Do not lift anything heavy. This can put undue pressure on your stitches and torso.
- It is completely normal that your bowel movements may be difficult or painful. Constipation is normal the first week post-operative.
- Take your pain medication when you need them. You may receive a prescription for Protonix to decrease the acidity in your stomach. This helps with heartburn and may reduce pressure on your healing pouch. Unless otherwise advised by your surgeon, you can resume taking your medications. All non-time-released medications will likely need to be crushed.
- Any drug that is time-released should be switched, if possible, to non-time released. Do not crush time-released medications. Ask your doctor about your diabetes medication.
Day 7 & Beyond
- The 7-day mark is a big day for recovery as you will begin to eat again and can resume driving.
- Your pain will be mostly gone and you should no longer need prescription-strength pain medications.
- Add thicker drinks and smooth foods (no chunks).
- Continue your walking, leg, and breathing exercises.
Day 14 & Beyond
- Incisions should be healing nicely and may no longer need bandages, but may still be a bit puffy, itchy, or irritated.
- After the wounds have closed completely, apply special lotions (and sunscreen when exposed to the sun) to minimize scarring.
- Continue your walking, leg, and breathing exercises.
- Limit yourself to light physical activity only (lift no more than 10 lbs/4.5 kg)
Weeks 4–6 Recovery & Return to Routine
- During weeks 4 to 6 of your gastric sleeve surgery recovery time, you’ll transition into your “new normal.” Heavy lifting can resume, and you will begin your new diet and exercise maintenance routine.
- Back to normal daily activities and exercise, including heavy lifting.
- Start a full long-term maintenance diet.
- Probably no longer pain. Take OTC medications if needed.
Patient Planning Process
Pre-arrival
- Telephone and online video consultation by your surgeon before your arrival.
Before Treatment
- Before your treatment, you will have a detailed consultation with your doctor.
- Your medical tests and health checks will bedone in the hospital
Post-Surgery (Next Morning)
- Next day after surgery morning, you will have a consultation with your doctor and you will have your personalized diet list.
Aftercare
- After your treatment, your doctor will check your health conditions and explain you the usage of your medications.
- You will have more consultations with your surgeon and PCP.
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