This varies and is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, current medical condition(s), medical clearance, and insurance requirements. Our team understands the importance of surgery for your health and will work as diligently as possible to get you ti surgery as quickly and safely as possible.

We generally recommend 1-2 weeks off of work after bariatric surgery. This can vary depending on occupation, work demands, etc.

Smoking GREATLY increases the risk pneumonia and other complications including bleed or leak. Smoking slows down healing process that is why it is extremely important to quit smoking prior to surgery to ensure your stomach heals properly.

Pre-op diet: Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Post-op diet: Two phases up to 6 weeks after surgery.

This varies for each patient, but most patients experience moderate pain that is alleviated with the prescribed pain medication.

You will be up and walking (5 minutes every 1 hour) on the same day of surgery. No strenuous activity or lifting 20 lbs. for 2 weeks. Return to work in 1-2 weeks.

Dr. Carlton requires you to take an acid blocker for 3 months. This medication helps reduce acid production to keep your staple line healthy. Additional medications are ordered for nausea, cramping, and/or pain.

Dr. Carlton recommends long-term supplements to ensure you are getting all of the recommended vitamins and minerals.

Our Dietitian will review vitamin needs and provide vitamin recommendations at your 2 week post-op appointment.

You can have alcohol in moderation approx. 3 months after surgery. No carbonated drinks.

You can resume sexual activity 2 weeks after surgery.

You can start low impact exercise approx. 2 weeks after your surgery.

You can take a shower 48 hours after surgery

This is dependent on how quickly your incisions heal – but for the majority it is about 4 weeks.

It is preferred that you let you steri-strips come off naturally – it caires but they usually fall off in approx. 2 weeks.

Dr. Carlton requires you wear 3-4 weeks after surgery.

4 weeks after Surgery

Carbonation can cause extra pressure on the pouch creating increased hunger, discomfort or possibly a leak, and weight gain.

You are at an increased risk for dehydration directly after surgery so you will be asked to limit your caffeinated beverages. Caffeine acts as a natural diuretic and can further dehydrate you.

Depending on the surgery, the right incision is where Dr Carlton pulls out the portion of the stomach. Usually, the pain subsides in 3-5 days.

It is not mandatory, but many patients like to wear a binder for the extra support.

The hospital will call you the day before to provide you with the surgery time and arrival details.

You should expect some short-term menstrual irregularities. It is not unusual for patients to have their cycle start early, even as soon as two weeks after the last cycle. Remember, this is only short term and is caused by hormonal changes after surgery. You should be back to a regular cycle after the first month or so. Any long term abnormal “female” bleeding should be reported to your gynecologist.

These feelings are completely normal and usually disappear after several weeks to months. If you are on antidepressants, you should resume taking them as soon as you go home. Things you can do to improve your mental well-being, such as:

• Eating adequate amounts of protein.
• Getting out of the house (this is a MUST!)
• Getting exercise

NSAID and Steroids

Hair loss is not uncommon but does not happen to all patients. Hair loss after bariatric surgery is usually a direct result of not eating enough calories and protein. Hair loss usually occurs at about 3-4 months after the surgery and is more profound with faster rates of weight loss. Don’t worry, the hair will grow back, but it will take some time. Be sure to get your daily dose of protein.

Constipation after bariatric surgery is not uncommon. After Anesthesia is can take up to 7 days for bowels to normalize. If you experience constipation after being discharged from the hospital, you should take a dose of Milk of Magnesia. If Milk of Magnesia does not solve the problem, you can take a capful of Miralax a day until you have a Bowel Movement