After surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery room or intensive care unit.
Nurses will closely monitor your breathing and vital signs. You’ll initially have a mask or small tubes in your nostrils giving you extra oxygen.
You may also have:
- an IV line for delivering analgesics and fluids
- compression stockings to help reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- blood-thinning drugs to further reduce your risk of DVT
Rarely you may require:
- a drain in your abdomen to remove any excess fluid
- a urinary catheter
- a tube going through your nose and into your stomach.
The nurses may recommend that you take 5–10 deep breaths and hold each one, once every hour. They’ll also encourage you to get up and walk around shortly after surgery.
Eating and drinking
Usually, you can drink water within a few hours of surgery and progress to clear liquids the next day, followed by free fluids the day after. You may also receive fluids via the IV drip to stay hydrated until you can drink normally.
Your hospital stay
Your length of stay in hospital depends on the type of procedure you’ve had, how well you progress and whether there are any complications.
Most patients go home within 24–48 hrs after bariatric surgery. When you go home, it’s a good idea to have someone drive you home and stay with you for a few days as you recover.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.