Gastric Bypass Surgery – What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery – What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Specifics will vary from hospital to hospital, and surgeon to surgeon, but here are some suggestions as to things that you are likely to experience on the day of surgery :

  • As part of the pre-admission process you will advised how to prepare for your day of surgery day.  This may include :
    • Pre-op Wash Instructions (for evening before and morning of your operation)
    • Pre-op “fasting” recommendations
    • Pre-op changes to any medications
  • You will be admitted to the hospital on the morning of your surgery. You may be in the operating room for two or three hours, but the actual procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours depending on the type of your operation. Then you will spend a few hours in the recovery room.
  • Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some pain or discomfort, which can usually be treated with ordinary pain relieve medication. The hospital staff will help you get out of bed and start moving as soon as possible to help prevent blood clots and respiratory problems.
Gastric Bypass Surgery – What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Gastric Bypass – Pre Surgery Hints & Tips

Having a gastric bypass can be a life-changing event. This type of surgery is permanent and irreversible so it is good to be fully prepared for surgery both physically and mentally. Ensuring you are fully prepared and ready for the life changes that are about to occur can make recovery and healing much easier, and can also drastically help with the transition into your new lifestyle and eating habits.

My Gastric Bypass Surgery is scheduled in 8 days, and I have done some research into what to expect and how best to prepare for it. I have collated below some tips and suggestions on preparing for gastric Bypass Surgery that I have gleaned from the web… and after the surgery, I may revist this topic to see how well they actually helped to prepare me for the procedure :

1. Pack loose and comfortable clothing for the hospital. It could be difficult to move and bend your body after the surgery so make sure you have clothes that are easy to get into and will not iritate things such as stitches or staples that you may have in your abdomen. Also, Make sure there are extra clothes for your home as well. This means ensuring that your wardrobe is as comfortable for home as it was in the hospital. This can also mean purchasing proper, loose-fitting business clothes if you are planning on returning to work within a short period.

2. Ensure you have shoes that can easily slip on. Slip on shoes will be much easier than having to bend down and have to Velcro or tie shoes.

3. Try to have some “transition” clothing, shoes, etc. These items are usually old clothing that you can no longer fit into but will be perfect as you lose weight. You will start to lose weight dramatically and it is more cost effective to have some older clothing ready than buying new clothes. If you do need to buy new clothes then try charity stores for cheaper alternatives. Only start to buy new clothes once you have stopped losing weight at such a dramatic rate.

4. Purchase multivitamins. It is difficult to get nutrition directly after surgery and multivitamins help immensely. Your dietician will be able to tell you which vitamins you will require to meet your specific needs.

5. Have over-the-counter pain medication on hand. After the prescribed pain medication has run out it is prudent to have regular strength medication, such as Tylenol avaiable if necessary.

6. Stop smoking. Smoking can lead to post-op complications and surgeons may refuse to operate if you still have nicotine in your system. You will normally need to stop smoking 2-4 weeks before surgery.

7. Have someone ready to help you out around the house for the first week or two. You may need someone for physical support and/or to do things around the house such as light cleaning, laundry, etc.

8. Make a list of things you will need for the first few weeks. This will include clear liquids, clear soups, small food containers that are perfect for your new, smaller portions, and protein powder. Make some post-op friendly meals and freeze them into small portions. Remember that they must be high in protein and nutritional value but very low in fat and sugar.

9. Get proper nutrition before surgery. Ensure your body is ready for the surgery and the recovery phase — Eat a proper and varied diet will lots of protein and vegetables. This will help get your body in the best possible shape before having gastric bypass surgery.

10. Read up on the surgery. Make sure you are well educated on your procedure and know what to expect. Talk to others who have already had a gastric bypass and join a support group. Online support groups, such as RealSelf, can provide support, expert knowledge and anonymity.