Recovering After Bariatric Surgery

At Pardee, we are committed to lifelong care through your bariatric surgery, recovery, and weight loss journey. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have throughout your recovery period.

Your recovery will require attending all your postoperative check-ups to maintain your progress and check on your health. These check-ups will be scheduled frequently the first year after surgery and then yearly thereafter.

What to Expect After Surgery

You’ll likely return home on the first or second day after bariatric surgery. Follow some additional guidelines to maximize your healing: Walk around your hospital room to stimulate circulation in your legs, practice deep breathing exercises to increase your oxygen intake, and don’t be alarmed if your bowel movements are unusual or irregular at first. Constipation or diarrhea are common side effects following surgery. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines on how to treat these at home and pick up any additional medications your surgeon recommends.

Activities to Avoid After Surgery

You can return to most normal activities within a few months of weight loss surgery but for the first two weeks after surgery, refrain from driving, tub bathing, returning to work, and sexual activity.

Body Changes to Expect

Most of the body changes you experience after bariatric surgery will decrease or pass altogether after a few days or months.

Measuring and Continuing Success

Expect to lose weight most quickly during the first year after bariatric surgery. Eventually, you’ll likely regain five to 10 percent of the weight you lost. Keeping your scheduled appointments after surgery is key to lifelong success. You can also review our patient guidebook for specific instructions on how to handle the post-surgery period.

Sign up for classes for tips on improving your health before and after surgery and achieving the best outcome of treatment.