Hospital stay

Most people need between one and three nights in hospital after a routine bariatric procedure such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. This might be a bit longer if you’ve had revision weight loss surgery.

During your time in hospital, your surgeon and our caring team of health professionals will oversee your progress. We’ll monitor your vital signs and check the activity of your digestive tract. It’s normal to experience some discomfort after a surgical procedure, so you may be prescribed pain medications. We’ll help you get moving and explain everything you need to know before going home. You can usually leave hospital once you can mobilise with minimal pain, use your bladder, and drink enough fluid to stay hydrated.

Wound care

Proper wound care is essential in the early stages of recovery. The majority of weight loss procedures are performed with a key-hole approach, meaning that you’ll only have several small incisions. Looking after these will help lower the risk of infection and promote healing. Here are some ways to care for your wound.

• Follow your surgeon's instructions for dressing changes.
• Keep the incisions clean and dry – if you have a waterproof dressing, it’s okay to get it wet in the shower if you pat the area dry afterwards.
• Look out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Avoid swimming or soaking in the bath until your surgeon says you can.

Dressings are usually removed about 10 days after surgery, by which time the wound should be healed.​​​​

Pain management

Most people find any post-operative discomfort has eased by the time they go home from hospital. However, some people need pain medication for a week or so after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe these for you, or you might take over-the-counter pain killers such as paracetamol. It’s essential to take these as prescribed.

Medications

You may need to take other medications after weight loss surgery. Many people need medications to reduce stomach acid production (known as proton pump inhibitors). If you were taking medications for a weight-related health condition before your bariatric surgery, you may be able to reduce these as you lose weight. Your doctor will monitor your health and advise you about medication use.

Supplements

Weight loss surgery changes your digestion and limits your nutrient intake. You will need to take supplements every day for the rest of your life. In addition to a multivitamin supplement, you may need to take extra calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Your surgeon or dietitian will explain this to you. It’s essential you follow their instructions to avoid potentially serious nutrient deficiencies. You’ll also need regular blood tests to check your vitamin and mineral levels.

Diet

Your diet will change significantly after weight loss surgery. It will typically follow the below pattern.

It’s important to drink enough fluids to support healthy body function and prevent dehydration. It’s best to drink fluids between meals rather than with them. Your surgeon and dietitian will provide detailed dietary guidance and monitor your progress.

Getting back to work

The timing of your return to work after weight loss surgery will depend on the type of surgery, what you do, and how well you are recovering. Most people can expect to get back to work within two to four weeks.

Physical activity

Regular physical activity can help you reach and stay at a healthy weight. Studies have shown that 2-3 hours of resistance training weekly can help to achieve a better and sustainable weight loss success. Exercise boosts your metabolism and keeps your heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy. Weight-bearing activities like walking also help to keep your bones healthy, and resistance training builds muscle strength. Regular exercise also improves your mood and mental wellbeing.

You will need to start exercising gradually and build up slowly. Most people can start some light walking a few days after surgery. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as you feel comfortable. It’s easier to stick with an activity you enjoy, so you can experiment until you find something you like. Your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can design a safe, effective exercise program tailored to your needs.

Follow-up visits

Follow up care is a key part of your weight loss journey. You will have regular check-ups with your surgeon and other health professionals (such as your dietitian) to monitor your progress, deal with any concerns, and make sure you stay healthy as you work towards your weight loss goal.

These visits typically occur regularly throughout the first year and annually thereafter. During these appointments, you can expect:

Your healthcare team is there to support you. Open communication with your surgeon and healthcare providers helps ensure your long-term success.

Mental wellbeing

While weight loss surgery is a physical process, it can sometimes trigger emotional and psychological changes. Bariatric surgery can bring on emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. It's normal to experience different feelings as you adapt to a new lifestyle and changes in your body. You might also be dealing with a history of emotional eating, poor self-esteem, stress or anxiety.

After surgery, caring for your mind is just as important as following dietary and exercise guidelines.

Here are some things you can do to manage emotional issues and boost your mental wellbeing.

Other considerations

Weight plateaus

Weight loss right after surgery is usually rapid and continuous for about the first six months. After this, it’s not uncommon to experience plateaus. However, if you’re patient and keep following your diet and exercise plan, you can expect to keep losing weight for 12 to 18 months or more.

Complications

Serious complications after weight loss surgery are rare, but it's important to be aware of potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. If you have any concerns in the days, weeks or months following surgery, let your healthcare team know.

Life after weight loss surgery

Recovery after weight loss surgery requires commitment and a strong support system. Remember you are not alone. Your healthcare team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Embrace the changes in your diet and lifestyle, focus on self-care, and stay engaged in your follow-ups. The rewards of better health, enhanced self-esteem and greater energy are well worth the effort.

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery process, don't hesitate to contact one of your health professionals. They are committed to helping you achieve your health and weight loss goals.

 

Reviewed by Dr Anthony Cheng 
General Surgery, Obesity & Bariatrics
at Sunnybank Private Hospital.