Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Anne Saidu (MD), Dr. Suresh Koneswaran (MD, FACC)
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
Recovery after bariatric surgery can be complicated. But don't worry! We will make it easier for you! Don’t leave your weight loss journey to chance! Diet and lifestyle changes are the key pillars for long-lasting success. Why wait? Check out this guide for hassle-free healing!
What Happens After Weight Loss Surgery?
Feeling anxious about returning to work after a weight loss surgery is normal. However, it's important to remember that anxiety can hinder your post-surgery recovery.
Hence, managing stress becomes crucial. One way is to understand your body’s changes, which will facilitate a smoother healing process.
Before diving further, let's first understand what changes your body might undergo with bariatric surgery.
What Is Bariatric Surgery & How Does It Work?
Bariatric surgeries involve changes in your digestive tract. They physically alter your stomach and change its capacity.[1]
And they result in:
- Less hunger
- Alterations in nutrient absorption
Gastric Bypass
For instance, a gastric bypass creates a new Y- shape in your small intestine.
And this will have an effect on your body's nutrient uptake.[2]
Ultimately, these changes significantly impact your metabolism and overall well-being.
You should note that your body requires some time to return to its normal state.
Start your transformation journey! Let’s find out how your body will get back to normal.
Bariatric Surgery Recovery Time: Back to Work!
Each bariatric procedure is different, and hence the recovery time also varies. For example, an intragastric balloon is a simple endoscopic method.
It is possible for you to go home on the same day following this procedure.[3]
However, it is not the same for other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
In those cases, you will be discharged after 1-3 days.[4]
While being in the hospital, you can start taking short walks.[5]
Keep in mind that you can gradually resume daily activities at home with your surgeon's approval.
Walking After Surgery
You should note that the type of activity or job you do will affect your body’s healing.
Furthermore, it is important to remember not to stress your core muscles by lifting weights.
Hence, you should avoid strenuous work early after surgery.[6]
And you can return to work in 1-2 weeks if your profession involves simple physical activities.[7]
Conversely, waiting until you've fully recovered before engaging in strenuous work is equally essential. Find the table below for a quick snapshot of the recovery timeline.
| Types | Sleeve | Bypass | Duodenal switch | Balloon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Strenuous (Low Impact) | 1 - 2 weeks[8] | 1 - 2 weeks[8] | 1 - 2 weeks[8] | 4-5 days after surgery[9] |
| Strenuous (High-impact) | After 3 months[10] | After 3 months[10] | After 3 months[10] | After 1-2 weeks[11] |
*Timelines can be different for each individual.
Fill out the pre-surgery questionnaire to enable us to assist you in a better and easier recovery.
Now, let’s glance at other aspects of bariatric recovery. Getting back to normal feels great, but your body needs the right nutrients too!
Nutritionist for Diet Plan
Eating solid food after bariatric surgery can be tough on your stomach.
Let's help you make smart choices about your eating habits!
- You will be assigned a nutritionist during discharge.
- He/she will design a diet plan for positive outcomes.
- This promotes healing and simultaneously provides your body with the necessary nutrients.
Now look below to see how gradual dietary progression will aid your recovery.
Post Bariatric Surgery Diet: From Surgery to Satisfying Meals
Soon after the weight loss surgery, you will not be allowed to eat regular meals.
Firstly, you will be tested for anastomotic leaks to make sure that the surgical staple line is secure.
Post-procedure, you will start with a clear liquid diet within 24 hours of surgery.[12] [13] We have outlined a typical post-bariatric diet plan for your ease.
Get a glimpse of it by scrolling down.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet
Now you are aware of the gradual progression in the diet. Discover a range of foods to fuel your body while you are progressing towards a regular diet.
Check them out now!
| Timeline | Food Items |
|---|---|
| Post 1-2 Days | Water & clear liquids like broths and sugar-free strained juices of apples, pears, and peaches |
| Post 3-7 Days | Liquid foods like soy drinks, milk, and plain yogurt |
| Post 1-2 Weeks | Mashed or pureed bananas, avocado, broccoli |
| Post 2 Weeks | Soft foods like soft meatballs, scrambled or boiled eggs, soft peeled veggies, and fruits |
| Post 1 Month | Solid foods like legumes, bread, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables |
| Post 2 Months | A regular balanced, solid diet |
Source: NCBI[14], MDPI [15]
Don't let the texture and consistency alone cloud your food choices. Once you are on regular solid foods, choose a balanced diet.
Ensure that there are various nutrients to support your overall health.
Regular Diet for Post-Bariatric Patients
A regular diet 2 months after bariatric surgery is a diet rich in fiber and proteins. Additionally, certain foods are to be completely avoided.
Now, check foods that are great additions, and watch out for the ones you may need to avoid. Let's make sure your food bowl is packed with flavor and nutrition!
Revamp Your Plate: Add These!
- Protein foods like soy products and whole eggs.
- Skinless chicken, lean meat, and fish
- Dairy foods like milk, cottage cheese, and non-fat yogurt
- Fiber-rich vegetables and fruits
Protein-Fiber Diet
High-Sugar Foods
Say No to Temptations!!
- High-calorie sugar foods like cookies, chocolates, ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies, and cream cakes
- Fried and tough meat
- Oily or greasy, fried, and spicy foods
Source: Medline Plus[16], Healthline [17]
Get on the path to better health! Watching what you eat is indeed helpful. However, remember that any surgical procedure can come with some minor inconveniences.
After starting an oral diet, you may experience symptoms such as:[18]
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Flatulence
- Gas pain
- Dumping syndrome
To deal with these post-bariatric inconveniences, you'll need to make changes to your eating habits!
Eating Habits That Transform Your Health for the Better
Here is your winning list!
- Aim for 4-6 smaller meals in a day.
- Prefer solids over beverages for better satiety.
- Avoid beverages 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after a solid meal.
- Pay attention to your body's signals. Stop eating when you feel satisfied.
- Never skip your meals or indulge in fasting for at least 12-18 months post-surgery.
- Take smaller bites and eat at a slower pace. Make sure you chew it well and savor your meal!
- Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol will benefit your health after surgery. Your body will thank you for taking care of it!
Source:NCBI[19]
Now you know about post-bariatric nutritional care. Let’s understand what a follow-up routine will be like.
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery: Follow-Ups and Exercises
Your road to recovery after bariatric surgery will be smoother with regular follow-ups and exercise.
Follow-Ups After Bariatric Surgery
Did you know?
Regular follow-ups after surgery are crucial in achieving the desired targets regarding weight loss, proper nutrition, and identifying any complications.[20]
You will have to attend regular follow-ups for at least 2 years after weight loss surgery. After that, the follow-ups will be once a year.[21]
They include overall medical check-ups and advice about diet and lifestyle changes. To help you understand, we have compiled a list of things to do during your follow-up visit.
Your surgeon will perform these crucial medical tests:
- Body weight
- Blood count
- Electrolytes
- Vitamin & mineral level
- Blood glucose & lipid profile
- Liver & kidney function tests
Medical Tests
Feel free to discuss any minor inconvenience with your surgeon.
Additionally, ensure that you talk about:
- Lifestyle changes
- Progression in physical activity
- Dietary progression and introduction of new foods
- Prescription for vitamin and nutrient supplements
Doctor Consultation
Exercising After Bariatric Surgery
While follow-ups after surgery are essential, exercising regularly is equally crucial for successful recovery.
Feeling hesitant about exercising? Let’s peek at what research says!
Did you know?
Exercise is clinically proven to be a feasible and effective additional therapy for bariatric surgery patients.[22]
You will have to shed enough sweat to maintain a stable post-operative weight. Add it into your daily routine to prevent weight regain issues.
For this, start with shorter walks soon after your surgery. Proceed incrementally by increasing your physical activities.
However, discuss this with your surgeon before you start working out intensely. Once started, try working out for 30 minutes a day regularly.[23]
After you completely recover aim to perform exercises like brisk walking, cycling and swimming.[24]
Brisk Walking
Cycling
Swimming
Even if you follow all the tips, you may still experience a weight loss plateau. Here's how to overcome it!
Overcoming Weight Loss Plateau
Furthermore, it is always important to pay attention to your body signals and follow your surgeon's advice for better outcomes.
FAQs
It takes about 3 months for you to recover after bariatric surgery. You will be discharged and can go home in 1-3 days after surgery.
However, make sure that you start with soft foods and work your way gradually to a regular, balanced diet.
In general, the laparoscopic bariatric surgery recovery time is less than that for open surgeries.[25]
However, it is important to note that recovery time may vary for every individual.
It takes about 2 months for your stomach to heal after gastric bypass surgery.
This is because your digestive tract will be re-routed such that the food directly enters your intestines.[26]
And, to allow your stomach to heal, you will have to follow a strict diet. For this, start with a liquid diet and slowly make your way to regular foods.
This provides necessary nutrients to your body while simultaneously allowing it to heal.
Pain during bariatric recovery may not be severe since you will be under pain medication.[27] Firstly, bariatric surgery will be performed under anesthesia.[28]
Hence, there may be slight pain or discomfort only after the anesthesia wears off. However, to ease the pain, you will be prescribed analgesics.[29]
Following this, you may experience slight bearable pain at incision sites.
For instance, there can be slight pain during the first week after gastric bypass surgery. However, it will reduce slowly with time.
But if the pain persists, or if the pain is associated with vomiting, contact your surgeon immediately.
Soon after bariatric surgery, you cannot eat a regular diet for about 2 months. You can only start with clear liquids and gradually proceed to a balanced diet.
However, this will limit you to a diet rich in proteins and fiber. For instance, eating oily, greasy, and high-sugar foods are certain things you can’t do after gastric bypass surgery.
Summing up, a strict diet will help you lead a happy life even 15 years after gastric bypass.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is just the beginning! Post-operative care is crucial in transforming your life and for long-term success. Stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. And remember to follow up on appointments.
This optimizes your recovery while helping you achieve weight loss goals and stay healthy for years to come.
Ready to take control of your health? Let’s take charge of your health together!
References
1. Springer: Mechanisms underlying the weight loss effects of RYGB and SG
2. Mini-Invasive Surgery: Vitamin deficiencies and prevention methods after bariatric surgery
3. Spatz: Treatment guide
4. NHS: Weight Loss Surgery Afterwards
5. ASMBS: Life After Bariatric Surgery
6. NCBI: Effect of exercise training after bariatric surgery: A 5-year follow-up study
7. NCBI: Effect of exercise training before and after bariatric surgery
8. Spatz: Best Cardio Workouts for Weight Loss
9. NCBI: Post-Op Assessment and Management Of Obesity Surgery
10. NCBI: Nutritional Recommendations for Adult Bariatric Surgery Patients
12. Medline Plus: Your diet after gastric bypass surgery
13. Healthline: Your Guide to the Gastric Bypass Diet
14. WebMD: Dumping Syndrome
15. NCBI: Follow-up after bariatric surgery: are we effective enough?
16. NCBI: Exercise and Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy
17. NCBI: An Outcomes-Focused Analysis of Laparoscopic and Open Surgery
18. Medline Plus: Gastric Bypass Surgery
19. WebMD: Weight Loss Surgery: What to Expect
20. Springer: Use of Opioid Analgesics Before and After Gastric Bypass Surgery in Sweden