Gastric Bypass Surgery
A small pouch is surgically created at the top of the stomach. A segment of the small bowel is then attached to the pouch. As a result, food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the small bowel. This operation helps you lose weight by restricting the amount of food eaten at one time and lessens the time for food to be absorbed.
Getting Ready for Surgery
- Make plans to be off work for about 2 weeks for laparoscopic surgery. This may be longer after open surgery.
- Do household and outdoor chores ahead of time or plan for someone to help you for the first 2 weeks.
- Stock up on foods that are easy to prepare. Refer to your diet plan handout and shop ahead of time.
- Have someone to watch your children for 5-7 days, if needed.
The Day before Surgery: Bowel Prep
An important part of getting ready is emptying your bowel of stool. This is called a bowel prep. You need to buy 1 (10 oz.) bottle of Magnesium Citrate. You can get this over-the-counter at any drugstore. It is easier to drink chilled.
- Follow your liquid diet for breakfast and lunch as discussed with the dietitian.
- Drink only clear liquids after lunch until midnight. There is no limit on how much you may drink. Sugar-free clear liquids include
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- At 2:00 pm, drink 1 (10 oz.) bottle of Magnesium Citrate.
- Drink only clear liquids until midnight.
- If you take metformin, do not take it the morning of surgery.
- Shower before bed and in the morning before you leave home.
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. |
After Surgery
- Plan to be in the hospital 1-2 days for a laparoscopic surgery and up to 5 days if open.
- You will go home on a pureed diet. Refer to the diet plan handout you received at your presurgery visit with the dietitian. Plan to stay on the pureed diet for 4-6 weeks.
- Drink plenty of fluids. You will need at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Drink most of this water in small portions between meals.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
- After two days, you may shower and gently wash your incisions with mild soap and water. Do not soak in a hot tub or bathtub, or swim until your incisions heal. This may be 2 weeks or longer. Do not put lotion, ointment, or powder on them. You may wear Band-Aids® if you wish. Be sure to change them at least every day and more often if they are wet or soiled to prevent infection.
- Expect small bruises at your incision site.
- Check your incisions daily for signs and symptoms of infection.
- Increased redness, swelling, or warmth
- Abnormal drainage such as blood or pus
- Temperature over 100.4°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
Activity
- The day of surgery you will begin walking with help. Plan to take more than 4 walks a day.
- Plan for rest during the day. Return to your normal routine, as you are able.
- Do not drive while taking narcotic pain pills.
- Nothing strenuous until okayed by your doctor.
- Do not lift more than 20 pounds for 4-6 weeks. If you had laparoscopic surgery, do not lift more than 35 pounds for 4-6 weeks.
Pain
You will have pain pills prescribed by your doctor. You can expect to have pain in the incision on the left side. With a laparoscopic bypass, you may have pain in your neck and shoulders from the gas put in your abdomen during surgery. Walking may help to relieve this pain.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for weight loss. Stick with your commitment to be more active. Walk for the first 2 weeks after surgery and slowly increase your distance and speed. After 2 weeks, any aerobic movement will do: walk, bike, dance, or swim. By choosing activities you enjoy, you will want to exercise everyday. Get into a routine early and stick to it. No weight training for 6 weeks. During the winter months, try “mall walking” to avoid the cold and icy conditions. You may want to join a health club.
Follow-Up
You will meet often with the UW Health Bariatric Team during the first year. Plan to see your surgeon or nurse practitioner at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and yearly. Plan to see your dietitian at 4-6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and yearly. You will see the Health Psychologist at 6 months.
When to Call your Doctor
- Shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911
- Pain, tenderness, swelling or redness in feet, legs or arms
- Severe pain in lower legs, calves, thighs or arms
- Temperature over 100.4°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
- Increased redness or warmth at incision site
- Abnormal drainage such as bleeding or pus from incision
- Pain not controlled by pain pills
- Vomiting that won’t go away
- Unable to keep liquids down
Phone Numbers
Bariatric Clinic: (608)-265-7090.
After hours, weekends and holidays, this connects you to the paging operator. Ask for the doctor on call for Dr. Garren, Dr. Campos, or Dr. Greenberg. Leave your name and phone number with the area code.
The doctor will call you back.
Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/11/2011
Copyright © 05/16/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4746
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