- What will happen during my hospital stay ?
- Will I have pain after the surgery ?
- What are the hygiene rules to follow after the operation ?
- What treatments should I take after surgery ?
- What is the follow-up for my diabetes ?
- What is the follow-up after my discharge ?
- What diet should I follow after weight loss surgery ?
- What are the risks of consuming alcohol ?
What will happen during my hospital stay ?
You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery (or in some cases the day before), and must be fasting since midnight. As soon as you are sufficiently awake after the operation, the healthcare team will encourage you to walk and use a device helping you to perform breathing exercises. You will receive medication decreasing gastric acidity, in order to protect your stomach against ulcers, as well as antibiotics for 24 hours.
You will also be given preventive anticoagulant therapy (injections in your thigh or belly twice a day) for the duration of your hospital stay. After being discharged, you will have to continue these injections at home once a day for two weeks, in order to avoid thrombosis.
The day after the operation, you will receive a liquid diet and, from the second day, a mixed diet, which you will keep for four weeks. Most patients stay three nights in the hospital.
Will I have pain after the surgery ?
Yes, it is not possible to completely suppress postoperative pain. However, there are many ways to reduce it. The medical team starts your pain treatment at the time of the anaesthesia. Pain management is then adapted throughout your stay. Do not hesitate to report any pain or discomfort to the team, in order for us to adjust your pain medications.
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After obesity surgery, plan to be off work for about 4 weeks.
What are the hygiene rules to follow after the operation ?
You can shower immediately after the procedure. Baths and pool activities are possible after four weeks.
What treatments should I take after surgery ?
It is recommended to take the anti-acidity medication for three months. This medication should be dissolved in water the first month and taken as a tablet to swallow with a little water for the following two months. It should not be crushed or cut.
This medication is prescribed by the surgeon and decreases the acidity of the stomach and diminishes gastroesophageal reflux. It also protects the sutures and prevents the appearance of ulcers.
As mentioned above, preventive anticoagulant treatment is also prescribed. It should be continued at home fortwo weeks after surgery. You will receive education during your hospital stay about how to administer these injections to yourself at home.
What is the follow-up for my diabetes ?
If you are being treated for diabetes, the diabetes team will follow you after the procedure. In fact, adjustment of your treatment with a reduction in the doses, or even discontinuation of your treatment, is often necessary.
What is the follow-up after my discharge ?
You will receive an invitation by mail to a first appointment one month after the operation with one of the surgeons from the bariatric team.
The following consultations are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months,18 months and 24 months after surgery. After that, follow-up visits are spaced out and are scheduled once a year for up to 5 years. The hospital can offer you follow-up by a dietician or by the team of the Patient Therapeutic Education Unit.
After 5 years, the follow-up is done by your general practioner or by a healthcare provider familiar with weight loss procedures at least once a year to monitor your general health and nutritional status.
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For optimal results following obesity surgery, lifelong follow-up by an obesity specialist is essential.
What diet should I follow after weight loss surgery ?
You will receive a liquid diet on the first day after surgery. On the second day, you will start a mixed diet, which you will continue for a month after leaving the hospital. After that, you can gradually progress to a solid diet. To avoid any pain or vomiting, it is important to follow the dietary advice found on the diet pages (FR).
To monitor your nutritional status, blood tests are prescribed regularly. Daily intake of multivitamins is recommended for life and will be prescribed by your bariatric surgeon during your first follow-up visit at 1 month.
What are the risks of consuming alcohol ?
Obesity surgery increases the risk of alcohol dependence. This risk is explained by the replacement of food addiction by alcohol addiction. In addition, after such surgery, alcohol absorption is faster and, therefore, its effects are increased.
KNOW +
Please also read the brochure Nutrition after obesity surgery (FR)
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It is important to avoid drinking during meals. Make sure there is at least 30 minutes between drinking and eating food.