What Happens After Weight Loss Surgery?

Post-operative recovery and procedures differ according to the type of operation and the surgical technique used.

After Laparoscope-Assisted or Open Surgery

For example, if laparoscopy is used, patients remain in hospital for 2-3 days, compared to 4-5 days for open surgery. Also they can return to work within 2-3 weeks, compared to 4-6 weeks for traditional surgeries.

After Banding/Stapling vs. Bypass Surgery

Restrictive stomach-banding or stomach-stapling surgeries (eg) Lapband® are less complex than gastric bypass operations (eg) Roux-en-Y. Therefore after-surgery risks and dietary regimens for restrictive surgery are less severe than those after stomach bypass.

Patient Health & Condition

Also, a patient's response to their operation can be influenced by their personal health history and their individual circumstances.

Changes to Expect After Surgery

For the first few weeks at home, patients typically need a special diet, including protein and nutritional supplements.
Foods need to be pureed or liquid, and when solid food is permitted, chewed slowly and thoroughly. Patients feel full after only a few mouthfuls, because their new stomach pouch initially only holds a tiny amount of food.
After 2-3 weeks, a dietitian helps the patient to transition to more solid food.

After Stomach Banding Surgery

Before and after gastric lap band surgery, patients typically receive extensive instructions on post-operative band management, (the average lapband patient requires 3 band-adjustments during the first year) together with advice on exercise, diet and nutrition. These health guidelines are important to ensure healthy weight reduction and should be closely followed. Support is usually offered via local patient support groups.

Vomiting
One of the most common risks of restrictive banding surgery is vomiting, triggered when the small stomach pouch is over-stretched by items of food that have not been well masticated and chewed.

After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Dumping Syndrome
A common post-operative risk after stomach bypass operations (eg. Roux-en-Y and biliopancreatic diversion) is dumping syndrome. This occurs when the food in the stomach moves too rapidly through the small intestine. Symptoms of dumping include: nausea, sweating, feeling faint, and diarrhea after eating. The risk of post-operative dumping syndrome is lower after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch operation as this procedure maintains the pyloric valve intact.

Bowel Disorders
After all malabsorption surgeries, like biliopancreatic diversion or roux-en-y bypass, there is a period of intestinal adaptation during which bowel movements can be liquid and frequent. This bowel complaint, frequently accompanied by bloating, gas and foul smelling stools may reduce with time, but occasionally is a permanent condition.

See: Eating After Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Bypass Bariatric Information

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Laparoscopic or open bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding or bypass is not an easy solution to morbid obesity and weight loss. It is a serious surgical procedure, involving health risks. To produce lasting weight loss it requires a long-term patient commitment to eating a healthy diet and following a regular program of physical exercise. Life-long use of nutritional supplements may also be necessary. So, before deciding, discuss your options fully with your doctor. © 2003-2008 Bariatric-Surgery.Info - Terms - Contact - Information - Resources - Add URL