Bariatric Surgery Home Recovery

Committing to adopting a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery is an important step toward successful weight loss. Before being discharged from the hospital, you will likely meet with a dietitian to discuss your prescribed intake of food, and your doctor will give you a full set of instructions for home care.

Dietary Restrictions

• According to New Jersey Bariatrics, all patients are sent home on a modified full-liquid diet and restricted to 1,000 calories per day.

What to Expect

• It is normal to feel tired and weak for a few days after returning home, as you have undergone major surgery and your body needs time to recover.

Supplementing Your Diet

• Your doctor will recommend vitamins and iron supplements. For the first three weeks after surgery you should crush any tablets or pills before swallowing them.

Getting Back on Solid Foods

• Once you switch to soft and solid foods, it is important that you thoroughly chew them well and avoid drinking liquids while eating, as it might give you the sensation of being full before you've eaten enough food.

Regurgitation

• It is normal to occasionally regurgitate when you are switching from a liquid diet to soft, solid foods. However, if you experience repetitive vomiting, contact your surgeon as soon as possible.

Restrictions/Returning to Work

• While recovering from bariatric surgery, you will be restricted from driving for one to two weeks and should avoid any heavy lifting. Walking, bathing and showering are permitted. Depending on the type of job you have, you will be able to return to work between three and eight weeks after your surgery.