After Bariatric Surgery

Recovery from weight loss surgery begins in the hospital. Some lap-band patients may go home within hours, but most bariatric surgery patients will spend up to seven nights in the hospital. Recovery includes getting as many fluids as possible – starting with ice chips – and resting. Being as active as possible can increase comfort and speed recovery. Knee bends while in bed, arm waves while standing and slow walks in the hospital halls all increase blood flow and speed healing.

A critical part of the healing process is following the post-surgery diet progression from liquids, to pureed foods, to semi-solid foods, to the regular bariatric surgery diet. The proper progression allows surgery wounds to heal, reduces side effects and the risk of later complications and ultimately speeds weight loss.