Post bariatric surgery – First weeks symptoms

First weeks post bariatric surgery – What to Expect at Home

Recovering from laparoscopic weight loss surgery will take about 1 to 3 weeks for most patients… Its very important to keep in mind, that every body its different, listen to yours and get in contact with you main physician or surgeon to clear questions and doubts related with any health symptom you might experience during recovery.

You may have some of these symptoms as you recover from bariatric surgery:

• Pain in your belly. You may also feel pain in one or both shoulders. This pain comes from the gas still left in your belly after the surgery. The pain should ease over several days to a week.
• A sore throat from the breathing tube; sucking on ice chips or gargling may be soothing.
• Nausea, and maybe throwing up. We will provide you with nausea medicine if needed. (During your stay and medical prescription)
• Loose stools after eating. This may last 4 to 8 weeks.
• Bruising around your wounds. This will go away on its own, but it’s also important to wash them soft and gentle to avoid any harm or discomfort on your skin.
• Skin redness around your wounds. This is normal; your incisions are just beginning to heal.

Activity related – First weeks post bariatric surgery:

• Start walking after surgery. Begin your everyday activities as soon as you feel up to it. Move around the house and shower; try to use the stairs during your first week home. If it hurts when you do something, stop doing that activity.
• You may be able to drive after 2 or 3 days post surgery.
• DO NOT do any heavy lifting or straining for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Do not lift over 25 pounds 3 months post surgery.
• You may be able to go back to a desk job within a week. Take a 15 min break every hour, stretch you legs and do a small walk to stimulate circulation the first 2 weeks post surgery.