Bariatric Surgery Follow-Up Care
Immediate Post-Operative Care
- Anticipate staying in the hospital one or two nights for a laparoscopic gastric bypass and either going home the same day or staying one night for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band.
- Most patients can return to work at least part-time within one or two weeks of laparoscopic surgery.
- Some patients may require light-duty restriction until one month after surgery.
- Please begin aerobic exercise (e.g., light walking) immediately after surgery.
- Complications may extend your hospital stay and recovery period.
Activity is Vital
We ask that you increase your activity well before surgery. This will improve weight loss, energy level and cardiovascular system as well as help minimize potential post-operative complications.
Activity is the key to maximizing and maintaining weight loss, and you will begin full activities six weeks after your operation.
Intermediate Post-Operative Care
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band patients will see various members of the UW Health team at:
- Two, four and six weeks, and three and six months after surgery
- Annually for an indefinite period
- The first adjustment is made four weeks post-op and approximately every four weeks until properly adjusted
Gastric bypass patients will see various members of the UW Health team at:
- Two and six weeks, and three and six months after surgery
- Annually for an indefinite period
- Vitamin deficiency is a potential complication after gastric bypass surgery and we will monitor a full compliment of lab values on a routine basis
Long-Term Post-Operative Care
Long-term follow-up is an important and required component of the program. Patients who keep all follow-up appointments lose more weight and do better overall. We follow well over 75 percent of our surgery patients on an annual basis.