Recovery after Gastric Bypass Surgery

What to Expect Immediately After Gastric Bypass

Patients in Los Angeles and elsewhere considering the gastric bypass surgery often ask about what to expect immediately after surgery. Common questions include:

• Will there be a long hospital stay?
• When will I be able to eat solid food again?
• When will I be able to go back to work?
• How quick is the gastric bypass recovery period?
• Is there a big risk that something will go wrong?

Gastric Bypass Recovery Time

In general, with the use of less-invasive modern surgical techniques, gastric bypass recovery time is relatively short. The exact length varies from patient to patient. Usually, the patient is out of our Los Angeles-area weight loss center and at home within two days, and the recovery period typically lasts for a total of two weeks.

Getting back to work is a primary concern for many people. While this varies based on the individual and type of work performed, returning to work after two weeks is not unreasonable. Some people take additional time off to ensure that they recuperate fully.

Sometimes, a complication of surgery can prolong the recovery period. This is not common, but as with any operation, complications can occur. If you'd like to learn more about the potential risks of surgery or contact our office.

What to Eat During the Gastric Bypass Recovery Period

For about the first week after gastric bypass surgery, you will be limited to a liquid diet. Gradually, you will move on to more substantial liquids and soft foods, and after a period of weeks you will return to eating solid food. After surgery, getting enough protein is crucial, as your body absorbs fewer nutrients from your meals — which are also smaller than before. Protein should be chosen and consumed before other foods. You will also be advised to take nutritional supplements, possibly including protein.

There are several foods to avoid. Alcoholic, carbonated, and caffeinated beverages can cause problems during recovery; anything with high amounts of fat, starch, or sugar should be avoided. Sugar, in particular, can cause a reaction in gastric bypass patients called "dumping syndrome," which happens when too much sugar passes into the small intestine too quickly. This can cause nausea, pounding heart, sweating, anxiety, and digestive distress.

What you can do after gastric bypass surgery?

In a word: Anything. (Within reason.)

We have patients who gone from being morbidly obese to running marathons. Dr. Jeremy Korman, our bariatric surgeon and medical director, was joined this year by several patients in the Rock ’N’ Roll Half Marathon in Los Angeles. They ran the 13.1-mile course side-by-side — something that many, if not all, of these patients would have found impossible before they had gastric bypass surgery.

Maybe you're not a runner. Maybe you prefer dancing, swimming, or cycling around Los Angeles. Maybe you have mobility concerns, so different activities or alternative versions of popular sports are more for you. No matter what inspires you, if you are seriously obese, gastric bypass may be the way for you to realize your potential.

Athletics aside, you should be able to participate in all the activities you now enjoy fairly soon after surgery. You should be home within a couple of days to begin gastric bypass recovery, back to work within two weeks, and gradually building back up to exercise over the following weeks. Our physical therapist will work with you to create an activity plan that meets your needs and interests, but you should always follow your doctor's advice as you recover.

Join our gastric bypass support groups in Los Angeles!

We have treated hundreds of patients who have gone through the gastric bypass preparations, operation, and recovery. At our Los Angeles gastric bypass surgery center, we welcome them to meet once a month to discuss their experiences and share support. If you would like to learn from their experiences recuperating from gastric bypass surgery, their efforts at conquering obesity, or their discoveries in the kitchen as they devise new tasty gastric-bypass-friendly dishes, come to one of our support groups. Call our Marina Del Rey center now at (800) 491-1977 for information.