Recovering from Gastric Bypass Surgery: What to Expect

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of weight-loss surgery performed in the U. S. today. It is a major procedure that requires a prolonged recovery period and lifestyle changes.

On average, it takes two to five weeks to recover from gastric bypass surgery and return to normal daily activities. Before undergoing the surgery, it is important to understand the prerequisites and the recovery process. The surgery itself takes approximately 1.5 hours and the hospital stay is two to three days. The recovery time is about two weeks, with 2 to 4 weeks off work depending on your job and how you feel.

Walking as soon as you can physically can help reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis after gastric bypass surgery. Your bariatric surgeon will review with you all the possible risks, complications, and other weight-loss surgery options of gastric bypass surgery before the procedure. Hospital stays are generally shorter for patients who undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery compared to open surgery. After gastric bypass surgery, it's crucial to adopt strict eating and exercise habits to maintain your weight loss. Patients have a shortened intestine, which can result in a greater emission of odorous gases or a stronger expulsion of gases from the body.

For more information about gastric bypass surgery, including the procedure itself, schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Prepare for the financial impact if income supports the family. With that said, their real recovery lasts a lifetime. The Advanced Surgicare team wants to share the following tips to help you recover from surgery as quickly and properly as possible:

  • Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
  • Eat small meals throughout the day.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Take your medications as prescribed.
Recovering from gastric bypass surgery can be a long and difficult process, but with proper care and dedication, you can achieve satisfactory weight loss and improved health. It is important to remember that this is a lifelong commitment and that you must continue to follow your doctor's instructions in order to maintain your results.

Genevieve Szulimowski
Genevieve Szulimowski

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