After Bariatric Surgery: The First 6 Weeks

At first, you may have stomach or bowel cramping, or upset stomach (nausea). Tell your healthcare provider if pain or nausea is severe or doesn’t improve with time. Take pain medicines as prescribed for 1 to 2 weeks. To ease back into your daily life, you may be given guidelines like those listed below:

• You may shower within 48 hours.

• You may return to driving once you no longer need pain medicines. This may be up to 3 weeks after surgery.

• You may resume sex in 3 weeks.

• You may return to work in 4 weeks, or as instructed, depending on the type of work you do.

• Don't lift anything over 10 pounds for 3 weeks.

Activity helps you lose weight after surgery. Start easy, but try to be a little more active each day. You might try walking each day. Other choices include chair aerobics or using a stationary bike.

Your healthcare team members can help you adjust to changes after surgery. Here’s how:

• Your medical surgical team oversees follow-up care after surgery. Keep all your appointments, and ask any questions you have.

• Your dietitian sets up your new nutrition plan. They can help you plan meals you’ll enjoy. Talk with them if you're having trouble sticking to the required diet.

• Your psychiatrist or psychologist or other mental health provider can help you adjust to change. It may help to talk to someone about your body or other issues. Contact a bariatric surgery support group in your area, or join an online group such as BariatricPal at www.bariatricpal.com . 

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Chills

• A red, bleeding, or draining incision

• Nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away

• Increased pain at an incision

• Pain or swelling in your legs

• Trouble breathing or chest pain

• Symptoms your provider told you to report

• Feeling anxious or depressed

After surgery, a special diet will help your stomach heal. At first, you'll just drink low-sugar liquids. You might have tea or broth, for instance. As you feel better, you’ll eat low-fat pureed or semisolid food, such as applesauce. When your system is ready, you’ll eat a range of foods in small amounts.

Certain problems may happen after surgery, depending on the type of surgery you have. These problems can include:

• Malnutrition. Your body may not be able to absorb all the vitamins it needs. Symptoms include severe tiredness (fatigue), feeling cold, swollen ankles, or excessive hair loss. Take vitamin supplements as prescribed, for life, to help prevent this.

• Dehydration. A smaller stomach means liquids must be consumed in smaller amounts. Not getting enough liquids can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include feeling “dried out” or having dark and little urine. Drink small amounts of water and fluids during the day. Ask your healthcare team for guidelines on getting enough liquids.

• Dumping syndrome.  This can happen after gastric bypass procedures. After eating high-sugar foods, you may have weakness, stomach cramps and pain, nausea, sweats, or, in some cases, fainting. Stay away from foods that cause any of these symptoms, such as soda or ice cream.

• Lactose intolerance. You may lose the ability to digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. Symptoms include cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea may occur 60 to 90 minutes after a meal. Stay away from dairy foods such as milk and cheese if this happens.