Gastric bypass surgery is an operation that may be performed on a person who is considered to be clinically obese. This surgery is usually considered after several dieting attempts or when the excess weight threatens the overall health of the patient. Gastric bypass surgery involves making the stomach smaller and allowing for food to bypass part of the small intestine. Gastric bypass recovery can be a lengthy process, and for the best results, proper dietary guidelines must be followed after the procedure. Therapy may also be advised, as will a diet and exercise plan to keep the weight off.
Gastric bypass recovery begins in the hospital immediately following the operation. The hospital stay typically lasts anywhere between two and six days, depending on the stability and health of the patient. The patient is encouraged to get out of bed several hours afters the surgery. Moving around as soon as possible after the procedure helps to ensure that no potentially dangerous blood clots have the chance to form.
A tube, known as a catheter, is typically inserted into the bladder during the surgery and will remain in the bladder for approximately 24 hours following the procedure. The presence of this catheter may cause additional discomfort, in which case the doctor will often prescribe pain medications. These medications can help to lessen the pain enough for the patient to move around as directed following the surgery.
Diet is an important part of gastric bypass recovery. The patient is not generally allowed to eat for a day or two following surgery. After the first couple of days, the patient begins a strict diet that lasts for about two weeks. In the beginning, the patient will be allowed to have only liquids. Pureed foods are then added to the diet, followed by small portions of solid foods. New dietary rules will be a lifelong component of gastric bypass recovery.
Once the patient is able to eat solid foods, a nutritionist is essential to continued success. This dietary specialist will help the patient plan healthy meals and learn to adjust to smaller portion sizes. Many doctors will also recommend therapy to help the patient deal with physical and emotional changes that happen during and after gastric bypass recovery. An exercise program is another important part of gastric bypass recovery and is typically recommended by the treating physician. The patient will need to keep regularly scheduled doctor appointments and undergo periodic testing to make sure that complications do not develop as a result of gastric bypass surgery.