Recovering From Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect

Are you considering taking charge of your health and exploring the benefits of bariatric surgery? ALO Bariatrics has years of experience providing weight loss surgery for patients in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Our team of skilled professionals offers modern bariatric procedures safely for a fraction of the cost at multiple facilities across Mexico.

Bariatric surgery recovery doesn’t have to be scary. With ALO Bariatrics, you won’t recover alone. Read more to learn what it’s like to recover from bariatric surgery with ALO Bariatrics.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

Most patients begin to lose weight after bariatric surgery. Depending on the procedure and lifestyle changes you’ve made, you could lose up to a pound a day — or even more. It’s common for people to lose up to 50% of their excess weight within two years of having bariatric surgery. Most weight loss will occur less than a year after the procedure.

There are many factors affecting how much weight you can lose after bariatric surgery. Working closely with your team at ALO Bariatrics will help you lose weight safely. Compassionate, complete care throughout your bariatric surgery recovery is a part of what we offer.

What Will Recovery from Bariatric Surgery Be Like?

The bariatric surgery recovery process will vary from patient to patient. ALO Bariatrics offers minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which can greatly reduce the time needed to recover.

Laparoscopic surgery is a technique where small “keyhole” incisions are made to access the abdominal cavity and perform the operation. This is different from a traditional open surgery, where a larger, single incision is made. Open surgeries may often require longer recovery times and have potentially higher risks.

After the procedure, you’ll wake up in the recovery room, where nurses will help get you settled and make sure your pain is under control. The surgeon will monitor your progress as the anesthesia wears off and talk with you about how the procedure went. With bariatric surgery recovery, you will likely feel discomfort around incision sites. Any pain will be managed by IV or oral medications. While bariatric surgery recovery may leave you feeling tired or weak, these symptoms will improve over time as your body heals.

The surgeon will determine when you can safely leave the hospital. It’s not uncommon to stay in the hospital for up to three days to make sure you gain some strength and not experience any complications. During this time, you’ll work closely with ALO Bariatric caregivers to develop your continuing recovery plan. Nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments are all important aspects of the recovery process.

ALO Bariatrics makes you feel comfortable and cared for after your procedure. When approved to leave the hospital by the surgeon, you can continue your bariatric surgery recovery at home or in one of our affiliate luxury hotels in Mexico.

Recovery in the Hospital

ALO Bariatrics operates out of modern hospitals in Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara.

Depending on your procedure, you’ll likely stay in the hospital one to three nights after your surgery. Compassionate, experienced professionals will care for you as you begin your new journey to a healthier life.

When you wake up from anesthesia, you will have nurses at your bedside ready to care for you. Some patients have a small tube inserted through their nose while under anesthesia that connects to their stomach. This tube helps remove any blood or mucus that can build up after surgery. Pain medication will be supplied to help make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

If there is a complication with your procedure (like an infection), you can rest assured that you’re in the right place to take care of it. You’ll be monitored closely by your surgeon and other caregivers during your stay. The facilities we work with have all the modern amenities necessary to deal with any potential complications that may arise from your bariatric surgery recovery. Safety is our priority.

During your stay, you will meet with your team of specialists to review your bariatric surgery recovery details. Your surgeon will encourage you to walk around as soon as you’re able to do so safely. Getting your blood moving can help alleviate aches and pains while speeding up the recovery process. A strict diet is needed after bariatric surgery, and you will likely only consume liquids for the first few weeks. A nutritionist will help get you a personalized dietary plan soon after your procedure. While in the hospital, you may be restricted to small amounts of clear liquids to stay hydrated.

It’s important to keep your care team aware of new sensations or if you’re feeling worse. We’re focused on helping you through your bariatric surgery recovery safely.

Recovery at Home

Once your surgeon approves, you can leave the hospital and resume your bariatric surgery recovery at home or a nearby hotel. ALO Bariatrics will arrange transportation to all your destinations during your stay. We will also supply professional caregivers to help you. A nurse can help you get around and change any dressings that need to be replaced. If you still require pain medication, your nurse will help make sure you have what you need. You’ll meet with your team of caregivers to plan the next steps for your bariatric surgery recovery from the comfort of your home or luxury hotel.

Tips for a Better Recovery from Bariatric Surgery

Being active can help prevent blood clots from developing or prevent potential infection. Drink small amounts of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and nourish your body. You also have the option to take the smallest amount of pain medication needed to ease your pain and let your surgeon know if you have any concerns about your bariatric surgery recovery.

Possible Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

There are potential side effects you should be aware of after your surgery. Some side effects are completely normal, and some could be a sign of a more serious problem.

It’s normal to be fatigued after any surgery as your body recovers. Some patients report symptoms of dumping syndrome, the result of food moving quickly through their stomach and small intestine. Diarrhea, nausea, and light-headedness are symptoms of dumping syndrome and usually occur after a meal.

Minor pains are a normal part of healing. If you have moderate to severe pain, increased swelling, or redness around an incision site, you should notify your surgeon immediately. Be aware of other signs, including blood in vomit or stools, fever, and the inability to go to the bathroom. While side effects may go away on their own over time, communicate with your surgeon about how you’re feeling. ALO Bariatrics is here to help you in any way we can.

Bariatric Surgery Recovery: FAQs

How long does recovery from bariatric surgery take?

The length of time to recover from bariatric surgery will be different for everyone. As your body heals and you begin to feel better, with approval from your surgeon, you’ll be able to eat additional solid foods and exercise more. Within six weeks after your procedure, you’ll be able to do most of the things you did before.

How long after bariatric surgery can I expect to be back at work?

Depending on what you do for work, you may be able to return to your job sooner. However, if it requires heavy lifting or other strenuous physical activity, you may want to stay home longer to make sure your body can handle the stress. Most people can return to work within two to six weeks. The last thing you want to do is rush back to work too soon and jeopardize your health.

Take the next step in improving your health and explore bariatric surgery in Mexico. Reach out to ALO Bariatrics to learn more about affordable, effective bariatric surgery treatments.