After Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a big commitment and requires a dedication to lasting lifestyle changes. These adjustments to how you live, eat, and exercise will begin as soon as you are discharged following your weight loss surgery.
Prior to your LAP-BAND, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon will go over recovery times, dietary restrictions, workout suggestions, tips to avoid a weight loss plateau, and more. This is what you can expect after your bariatric surgery.
What Are the Basic Guidelines After Weight Loss Surgery?
While some rules and suggestions will vary from one surgical procedure to another, numerous basic guidelines are provided for all bariatric surgery patients. Please note that all recommendations are unique to Central Carolina Surgery and our surgical process.
Regular Movement
Find time to walk at least once an hour during the time that you are awake. Desk workers should walk at least five minutes each hour. If you are taking a long drive, be sure to stop for regular walking breaks.
Dietary Guidelines
Following surgery, you will start out either on a clear liquid diet or full liquid diet depending on the surgery you had and your specific circumstances. Your doctor will let you know when you can incorporate solid foods back into your diet. Take small sips or bites and chew both food and liquids.
Focus on two to three meals a day comprised mainly of protein. If you are on a liquid diet, protein shakes are permitted.
Hydration
Hydration is extremely important, especially for those who are on a restricted diet. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day.
Breathing Exercises
After surgery, you will be given an incentive spirometer and taught how to use it. Use it every day until seeing your doctor at your post-op visit.
Follow Up
After your surgery, you will make another appointment with your doctor. At this appointment, you will learn more about your next steps.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at your convenience. Doctors and nurses are available during business hours to best advise you in your recovery.
After LAP-BAND Surgery
After the initial post-op visit for your LAP-BAND surgery, we will perform your first adjustment at approximately four to six weeks after surgery. After this point, you will need to return every four to six weeks for a band adjustment until you reach what is known as the “green zone,” or the ideal positioning of your band. Once there, you will need follow-up appointments every eight weeks for the first year, every three months during the second year, and at least annually thereafter for five or more years. You may also need to have lab tests done 10 days before certain appointments so that we may review them when you come.
After Gastric Bypass/Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
After the initial post-op visit following your gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you will see a member of our team eight weeks, six and 12 months after surgery, and then annually for seven or more years. You need to have lab tests done 10 days before certain appointments so that we may review them with you when you come.
Our patients come to us from Kernersville, Winston-Salem, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, and adjacent locations. We are proud to serve the greater Central Carolina community, providing guidance on the bariatric surgery process before, during, and after a procedure. Schedule your seminar right away so you can get the weight loss journey started!
For more information about what to expect after weight loss surgery, please contact our office at 336-387-8100 in Greensboro or 336-350-7968 for our Burlington office.