How to Recover From Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

Many people who choose to have mini gastric bypass surgery will find themselves at home after only one or two days. It is important that patients not confuse their short hospitals stays with a completed recovery period. It will take a change in lifestyle to recover from mini gastric bypass surgery. Those who rush back to resume their former habits may find weight loss success elusive. Read on to learn how to recover from mini gastric bypass surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Dietary fiber supplements
• Prescription medication for nausea
• OTC pain killers and heartburn medication as prescribed by your doctor

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Instructions

• 1

  Sip water and drink clear liquids while in the hospital.

• 2

  Advance to thicker liquids after three to five days. For the two weeks after that you will remain on a liquid diet with an emphasis on high salt foods.

• 3

  Adapt to your new style of eating after two to three weeks. Eat small meals several times a day. Restrict your fat intake, particularly avoid high fat meats. Drink lots of water.

• 4

  Consume liquids before solids when you resume eating solid food.

• 5

  Minimize your intake of processed foods, sugar and caffeine.

• 6

  Do not drive for at least seven days following surgery.

• 7

  Return to exercise by talking short walks several times a day while you recover. Exercise is important to prevent the formation of blood clots and to reduce pain.

• 8

  Wait for six to eight weeks before progressing to more strenuous exercise.

• 9

  Take showers for the first two to three weeks after you return home. Long, hot baths and swimming are to be avoided altogether during the first month after surgery.

• 10

  Keep your wounds clean and dry. Do not apply ointment to them either as a moisturizer or as an antibiotic. Leave wounds undressed after leaving the hospital to allow them to heal more quickly.

• 11

  Take medicines as prescribed for nausea, heartburn and constipation. Do not take any OTC drugs or dietary supplements without first consulting your doctor.

• 12

  Expect a bloody, pink or straw colored drainage from your incisions. Inform your doctor immediately if the drainage becomes thick or pus-like or begins to smell.

• 13

  Abstain from alcohol and tobacco.