After the operation you will be transferred to our bariatric floor.  The nurses on this floor are specifically trained to meet the needs of our patients.  Most patients stay in the hospital approximately two to three days after the laparoscopic procedure and three to five days after an open procedure.

Depending on your medical condition, there is the possibility of being placed in the intensive care unit to closely monitor your heart and lungs. Patients who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for sleep apnea may be asked to bring their machines with them for use immediately after the operation.

A small drain may be placed around the stomach pouch and the bypassed stomach to drain body fluids after the surgery. These are usually removed in three to ten days. To help prevent blood clots, anti-embolism stockings or other compression devices will be placed on your legs, and your surgeon will require you to stand up and move around as soon as possible, usually within the first 24 hours. 

On the day after your operation you will have a private consultation with one of our nutritionists.  The nutritionist will go over a post operative diet in detail with you.  You will also be provided written materials to take home with you should you have any questions when you return home.

In general, you will begin to drink liquids the first day after your operation.  On the second day after your operation the amount that you are allowed to drink will be increased.  You will receive teaching on drain care, self-administering Lovenox (blood thinner) and wound care.

You will be discharged home when you are able to:

• Take enough liquids by mouth to prevent dehydration.
• Have no fever, able to move about and urinating without difficulty.
• Have adequate pain control with oral medication.