After Bariatric Surgery
No, you won’t be on a “diet” forever. After bariatric surgery, you’ll follow a structured four-stage diet to help your body adjust and heal. The stages are:
- Liquids: For the first few days, you’ll start with clear liquids to keep you hydrated and ease your stomach into the healing process.
- Purees: Next, you’ll transition to pureed foods, which are easy to digest and provide the nutrients your body needs.
- Soft Foods: As your body continues to heal, you’ll move on to soft foods, introducing more variety and texture into your diet.
- Solids: Finally, you’ll return to eating small portions of solid foods, similar to a regular diet.
Once you’ve completed these stages, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of foods in smaller portions. While you won’t be on a strict “diet” for life, making healthy choices and practicing mindful eating will be essential for maintaining your weight loss and achieving long-term success. With the right approach, you’ll develop sustainable habits that support a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
No, you will most likely not go home with drains. In most cases, drains are removed before you leave the hospital. However, if there is still fluid that needs to be drained, you may need to take them home until your first follow-up visit with your surgeon.
Within the first 2 weeks after surgery. It’s important to see your other doctors during this time because many of your medications, such as those for diabetes or blood pressure, may need to be adjusted or even discontinued.
Usually 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work within this timeframe, depending on how they feel and the nature of their job.
You can start light activity, like walking, as soon as you feel comfortable. Walking short distances is encouraged while you’re still in the hospital—sooner is better. Clearance to lift weights usually occurs between weeks 3 and 4, but always listen to your body and consult your surgeon before starting more strenuous activities.
You can drive once you’re no longer taking pain medication. Pain medication is typically discontinued 3-5 days after surgery, at which point it’s safe to start driving again.
You should wait 6 weeks before swimming or using pools, the sea, spas, or hot baths. This waiting period ensures your incisions are fully healed to prevent infection.