What to know right after surgery
Diet
When you get home you will start the initial diet which consists of clear liquids and protein shakesSip these through-out the day as you will not be able to get in much at one time.
Existing Medication
Confirm with you doctor which medications you should and should not take going forward.Many individuals are able to stop to stop many of their medications after surgery!
Vitamins
Remember to start taking your vitamins. Most people will need to take a multi-vitamin, calcium citrate, Vitamin D, and VitaminB12 .Your doctor may proscribe additional vitamins as well.
Activity
The more walking you the the better - it will help prevent blood clots and speed recovery. However, remember not to lift anything more than 20 lbs for the first month. That means no body-weight exercises like sit-ups. Try to limit the amount you lift small children. When you do lift them, try to use your legs instead of stomach muscles.
Bathing
You can shower 24 hours after surgery but do not scrub your incisions; pat them dry after your shower. You may not have a bath, go swimming, or use a hot tub until cleared by your surgeon (usually 2-4 weeks after surgery)
Bariatric Prescriptions
Try taking tylenol for pain. You can also get additional prescriptions as needed. If you have nausea there are a number of medications that can help. You may be proscribed a blood thinner and/or an antacid that needs to be taken every day.
Driving
If you are not taking narcotics for pain, you can drive 24-48 hours after surgery.You cannot drive while you are taking narcotics for pain.
Common Concerns
Many people experience some amount of nausea, constipation, reflux, and fatigue in their first month post surgery. These usually resolve by themselves and there are medications that can be taken to help with symptoms.If issues are persistent or severe, you may want to speak with a doctor.
What to expect after the first month
Diet
You will gradually progress from liquids to mushy foods to solids. At first, expect to eat 1-2 ounces at a time, which will increase to 3-4. Longer term you should expect to eat 5-7ounces at a time.
Activity
A month after surgery, you can bring incorporating more vigorous exercise. Think about doing a combination of cardio activities that increase heart rate and strength building exercises. Consider trying new activities and if you don't like them, just walking can be great exercise. Not only is exercise good for your cardiovascular health, it has been shown to improve mental health and support maintenance of weight loss.
Common Concerns
Hair loss and loose skin are common for many surgery patients. Hair usually comes back in 6-12 months make sure you are maintaining protein intake. Many individuals are worried about the pace of weight loss it's different for everyone and plateaus are normal!