LAP-BAND® Recovery

As patients, we all bring different medical, psychological and emotional issues and conditions with us prior to surgery. Sometimes these issues and conditions influence how quickly we recover from major abdominal surgery. It is impossible to predict what events you will encounter postoperatively. Hopefully this information will address some of the more common occurrences.

Some patients enter into surgery with unrealistic postoperative expectations. Even if expectations are realistic, it is normal for people to “hope for the best outcome” when entering into surgery.

Gastric Bypass Recovery

Gastric bypass is major abdominal surgery. Just because you choose to have surgery, or because it is “less invasive,” doesn’t change the fact that your body will need time to adjust. You will have nausea and pain, experience some fatigue and depression may occur. These occurrences are generally short-lived and are frequently seen. These adjustments take time.

Expectations for “the time to heal” may be distorted. It is true that with the laparoscopic approach, physical healing time may be faster than with the open technique (two to four weeks instead of four to six weeks). Forming a scab, however, does not constitute complete healing. Many patients feel fatigue, experience nausea and even vomit frequently for the first 2 - 12 weeks following their operation. It is important that  patients do not expect to go back to work at full speed right away. Many patients go back to work as early as two to four weeks, but you may need longer. It would be beneficial to have contingency plans in place.

Your new stomach will be irritable for the first several weeks following surgery. You will start on clear liquids (water, broth and Jell-O) for a week, then advance to soft proteins and eventually to all varieties of food. Gastric surgery may cause some patients to experience a heightened sense of smell. Food, perfume and cigarette smoke may be offensive and cause nausea. If nausea or complete lack of appetite occurs in the early postoperative phase, it will generally resolve in four to six weeks. Be patient with your new anatomy. By three to four months, nearly everyone is able to tolerate most food well.

Many patients feel frustrated, weepy and even depressed after surgery. This is a common occurrence, and a normal part of the physical and emotional healing process. For a very long time, you have been focusing on having this life-altering procedure. You may feel an emotional let down as your energy reserves are drained. Be positive, this too will pass, and in a few weeks to months, your energy and positive attitude will return. Psychological support, counseling and/or medications may be helpful for some.

If you are a patient who feels more pain than you expected, or experience nausea or depression, remember this can be normal. What you eat one day may stay down and the exact same meal tomorrow may not. We will want you to call the office if you vomit all food and liquid in a 24-hour period. Let the nursing staff help you to adjust to the unexpected. Please feel free to ask questions.