How to Cope After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure which creates a small stomach by stapling a portion of the stomach and then attaching a part of the small intestine to this pouch. Doctors perform this surgery to restrict food intake so as to promote weight loss in overweight people. To cope after gastric bypass surgery, you need to follow certain changes in lifestyle and diet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Plan to spend 2 to 5 weeks recovering from this surgery before resuming your normal activities. Patients stay two to three days in the hospital before going home.
2. Manage any pain or discomfort by taking the medication prescribed by your surgeon. You may feel swelling or soreness of the abdomen. See your doctor if you experience bleeding or signs of infections during the recovery period.
3. Follow the progression diet specified by your doctor. This can be a 12-week plan that consists of gradually increasing food intake from liquid to pureed foods, then proceeding to soft and finally to regular foods.
4. Eat small quantities of food and chew it slowly. Eating too much food or too quickly during a meal can cause dumping syndrome. This condition may cause nausea, vomiting or pain. Drink liquids and eat foods that your stomach can tolerate and incorporate new foods one at a time.
5. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to avoid dehydration. Try to drink liquids between meals as your smaller stomach is unable to hold both water and food in one meal.
6. Prevent a vitamin or mineral deficiency by taking multi-vitamins, calcium, B-12 vitamin and minerals regularly. After gastric bypass surgery, the body has problems absorbing nutrients.
7. Start exercising regularly for added weight loss. Begin by walking a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time length. Implement an exercise program that is appropriate for you by asking your doctor's recommendation. Patients can cope after gastric bypass surgery by incorporating these lifelong changes in eating habits and exercise patterns to successfully maintain weight loss.

Tips & Warnings

• See your doctor for follow-up exams and evaluation during the first year after gastric bypass surgery.