Discharge from the Hospital

If you stay in the hospital, you should be ready for discharge from the hospital on the first or second day after your surgery. Prior to discharge, your nurse will give you discharge instructions. 

Discharge Instructions for Bariatric Surgery 
At your last pre-operative visit with your surgeon, you should schedule your first post-operative visit within the first week of being discharged from the hospital. Until you have your first office visit, it is important for you to follow these instructions.

• Call the doctor’s office if you have a fever, nausea, vomiting, or an increase in abdominal pain.
• Diet: See the specific full liquid diet instructions as provided by your nutrition and surgical team

REMEMBER TO:

• Continue to take liquids, consuming 4 to 6 ounces per hour (no more than 2 ounces at a time).
• Closely track fluid and protein intake with the tracking sheets provided in the hospital.
• Keep sipping your protein shakes,  taking a minimum of 2 per day (to meet 70 grams of protein minimum).
• Drink at least 40 ounces of fluid during the day (no more than 2 ounces at a time).
• No carbonated beverages (soda).
• Absolutely no solid foods.
• Activity: Walk at least three to six (3 - 6) times each day.
• Wound care: Follow instructions provided by your surgeon.
• Incentive spirometer: Continue to use it every two (2) hours; at least once per hour while awake.
• Shower as often as you desire, but avoid bathing in a tub.
• Pain management: As prescribed by your surgeon.
• Continue to use your CPAP at night if you used one prior to surgery.

DO NOT TAKE Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or any other anti-inflammatory drugs.