A new chapter of your life is about to begin after surgery. Weight-loss surgery recovery does require a change in the way you live your life. Your body and mind will take awhile to adjust.

When you wake up after surgery, surprise! You are exactly the same person you were before surgery, only with a few incisions and a rearranged interior. You realize that you began this process many months or years ago when you decided you wanted a healthier and longer life. Treatment does not begin and end with surgery; it is another chapter on your journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

While in the hospital, you will be cared for by nurses and other professionals dedicated to the bariatric program. You will be visited by the bariatric registered dietician and psychologist. You will be taught breathing exercises, how to care for your incisions, what diet to follow and what to look out for after you get home. You will be given written instructions regarding these issues as well as what medications your doctor would like you to continue, stop, or change.

Most patients are ready for discharge the day after surgery. However, this depends on how well you have recovered from the operation and only if your surgeon agrees that it is safe for you to go home. It is not typical for you to have any drains or tubes when you leave the hospital, but if you do, you will be shown how to care for these as well.

Diet
Your diet will depend on the type of surgery you had and usually will consist of clear liquids for the first week. This includes water-based broth, sugar-free gelatin, decaffeinated tea and diluted juices. It is important that you heal your stomach at this stage; nutrition is secondary to prevention of a leak. Over the next month, your diet will be advanced as directed by your surgeon.

Exercise
Immediately after surgery, it is important to walk and stay active. This is important to prevent blood clots that can form in your legs due to inactivity. This is not the time to begin an aerobic and weight training program, especially, if it has been years since you have performed this type of activity. Later, after you are healed, exercise will be critical to maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness.

If you have any questions or concerns during your hospitalization or after discharge, you should contact your surgeon immediately. You need to keep us informed so that we can take the proper steps to help you through this journey.