Discharge Instructions for Gastric Bypass / Gastric Band Activity

IF IT HURTS, DON'T DO activities which cause pain are too strenuous, and could cause harm, Avoid lifting and straining, such as with carrying luggage. Vigorous physical effort will be uncomfortable and unwise for about 10 days.

Go for walks several (about five) times daily, just as you have in the hospital, trying to do more each day. Walk farther and faster each day. A morning walk in the sunshine will really help to make you feel better. Expect to tire quickly at first.

If you want to do your walking at the shopping center, or maybe at the park--go for it. Just remember that you will have reduced endurance. Try and make this next couple of weeks a little mini-vacation for yourself.

It is good to shower daily (48 hours after surgery)  washing the incision, and the site of the drainage tube (if used). There may be a small amout of discharge around the tube, and it is best to wear a small gauze dressing to protect the clothing.

Sometimes the skin around the tube becomes red. That is natural. If the skin becomes sore or painful, it will help to apply warm compresses. Soak a washcloth in hot water (not so hot that you can't wring it out a little, so it doesn't drip all over), fold it over twice and place it over die tube and skin, then cover it with a fluffy bath towel to help keep the heat in. The tube must be left in place--early removal could be dangerous. There is a balloon on the end of the tube inside your stomach, which will keep it from falling out.

Until you come to the office next week, limit your intake to broth and jello, and water, just as in the hospital. Do not eat anything else. Do not eat between meals, but drink all the water you can, day and night. You should have to urinate every 3-4 hours, if you are getting enough water.

MEDICINES:

You will be discharged with a prescription for pain medicine. As your activity increases, you may find that you need some for soreness at the incision. You may also use plain Tylenol (acetaminophen), but do not use Advil, Nuprin, or Aspirin or if you are allergic to these medicines.

VITAMINS:

You may begin taking your multivitamin now, once a day, or you can wait a week or so, if you find they nauseate you. In one week, begin using vitamin B-12 tablets also, by placing them under your tongue, once a week. Also recommended are an iron supplement, and 1500mg of Calcium Citrate daily.

FOLLOW-UP:

Call the office (702-838-5888) for your first follow-up appointment to let us know how you are feeling. At your first visit, you will be instructed on the next stage of the diet. If you have any questions concerning your diet or supplements, please feel free to contact Brandon, our nutritionist.