Recovery After Surgery

After Lap Band Surgery After Gastric Bypass After Laparoscopic Surgery

Understanding the Bariatric Surgery Recovery Process

Most Tijuana Bariatric Center patients undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery to minimize the potential for discomfort and complications during recovery. If you're looking forward to losing weight and becoming healthier, you must get through the initial recovery stage before you think about the rest of your life.

Depending on the weight loss surgery you undergo, most patients will spend one night in the hospital before staying at a local hotel for the following night and then returning home.

Different types of weight loss procedures require different recovery times. For example, gastric bypass surgery is more complicated than gastric sleeve surgery and can result in a more extended stay in the hospital and a longer recovery time. The experienced bariatric surgery team working through the Tijuana Bariatric Center can help guide patients safely through bariatric surgery recovery in Tijuana, Mexico.

The First Few Days Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Once you wake up from surgery, you will be somewhat groggy but not feel much pain due to medication. You will have intravenous (IV) tubing in your arm for easy administration of additional pain medication when needed. Many patients will have several small incisions on the abdomen that will be sutured closed. Our staff will typically ask you to get out of bed and begin to walk short distances during your stay in the hospital. Our nutritionist will visit you in recovery, answer any questions and concerns, and outline the specifics of your nutritional counseling program.

In most cases, your surgeon will recommend not eating on the first day. The next day, you may feel more abdominal pain that can be controlled with prescription pain medications. Most patients can start on a clear liquid diet to allow the digestive system to heal and eventually ingest foods like milk, strained cream soups, or sugar-free gelatin. After adequate recovery time in the hospital, patients can return home or to their hotel.

The First Few Weeks After Weight Loss Surgery

After about a week, you should not experience as much pain, so you can increase your exercise habits by taking daily walks to encourage circulation and promote healing. Avoid long periods of inactivity to reduce the chance of blood clots. By now, most patients will begin to include pureed or strained foods in their diet. To avoid serious complications, patients must follow dietary guidelines.

The First Few Months

Many patients can start eating somewhat firmer solid foods approximately eight weeks after surgery. You should begin to notice significant weight loss by this point, motivating you to continue with the recommended diet and exercise to lose excess weight. You will slowly be able to increase your exercise routine per your doctor's recommendations.

You will need regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider for the rest of your life for blood tests to check whether you have developed vitamin deficiencies requiring additional nutritional supplements or developing other health problems. At about three months, you may be able to resume a regular diet with a few restrictions, such as eating small portions and avoiding foods high in fat and sugar.

Arrange for Help When You Return Home

Have a friend or family member help you with daily tasks until you can handle them by yourself. You may need help getting to the bathroom or showering for the first few days. Assistance with tasks such as caring for children, pets, and grocery shopping may be necessary. You will also need someone to drive you to appointments until your doctor clears you to drive again and you are no longer on prescription pain medication.

Returning to Work

Typically, most patients feel strong enough to return to work after two to four weeks, but the time you spend recovering at home depends on the weight loss procedure you undergo and the degree of physicality at your job. If your job is labor-intensive, especially if you must lift objects weighing more than 25 lbs., you will have to wait at least six weeks before you return to work.

Your New Lifestyle Habits

Several weeks after surgery, you should be able to tolerate soft foods and slowly increase your dietary intake. As the healing process continues, you should avoid all foods that are not easily chewed. About a month following the surgery, your doctor may allow you to increase exercise activities, including swimming and low-impact aerobics.

During the recovery period, you can contact our bariatric nutritionist directly through phone calls and emails to address questions and concerns. You may also want to try Facebook support groups to learn how to adjust to new eating habits and get advice on other issues that will help you succeed in your healthier lifestyle.

Why Choose Tijuana Bariatric Center?

Helmed by experienced, board-certified surgeons, Tijuana Bariatric Center boasts a 98% success rate across all treatments. We have performed over 10,000 successful operations and continue to support patients on their weight loss journey long after they leave our facilities. We adhere to the most stringent international safety protocols and utilize best-in-class, cutting-edge techniques to minimize recovery times and the risk of complication. Patients enjoy a holistic approach that includes in-depth education, a personalized nutritional plan, access to our online support community, and extensive postoperative follow-up.

At Tijuana Bariatric Center, we believe that every patient deserves access to life-saving surgeries that can reduce obesity-related illness and help them reclaim their mobility, self-confidence, and quality of life. We offer our procedures at a fraction of the cost found at most practices in the United States, providing transparent pricing, easy-to-navigate financing, and built-in medical tourism insurance. Our goal is to help our patients to thrive – physically, emotionally, socially, and professionally.

Reach Out Today

Knowing what to expect during the recovery process after bariatric surgery is essential. For more information regarding weight loss surgery recovery, contact the Tijuana Bariatric Center today by calling 1-800-970-0577 for a complimentary consultation.