After surgery, a lot of changes will take place. The bariatric team will help you through these lifestyle changes with you being the center of the team.
Nursing
You will be provided with nursing discharge instructions prior to leaving the hospital to provide guidance with medications, wound care, and recovery. Our RN is also available to answer your questions as they arise.
Nutrition
You will be provided with a complete nutrition packet prior to surgery outlining the diet progression after surgery and providing you with guidance. Our dietitians are also always available during your follow-ups to assist you with your diet progression. The average diet progression is as follows:
Day 1 -4: Clear Liquids
Day 4 – 14: Full Liquids
Day 14 – 21: Pureed Diet
Day 21- 28: Soft Diet
Day 28 & after: General progression to regular foods.
Specific foods may not be tolerated after surgery and your diet progression may differ slightly. It is recommended to avoid high fat, high sugar foods and to avoid caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol from you diet. You also must eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and do not drink with your meals.
Exercise
Exercise will help you start to feel better after surgery as well as help you in acheiving your goal weight. The easiest form of exercise right after surgery is walking. You will be up walking hours after your surgery. We encourage you to walk several times a day and this should continue as part of your routine. After you have healed from your surgery, you can begin enjoying other exercise and activities. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s okay to resume activities.
Lifestyle Changes
Many patients do experience other changes after surgery including changes in relationships, employment, etc. Support is needed to help you through these experiences. We offer monthly support groups which give you a chance to share your experiences with other weight loss surgery patients. Our Bariatric Advocate is also available at office visits to share her experiences and support with you.
Please see our Calendar of Events for Support Group meetings and other upcoming activities at St. John Weight Loss Center.