After undergoing any surgical intervention, the body needs time to heal and recover. In the process of performing surgery, organs and tissues are inevitably damaged. The goal of surgery is to cause the least amount of damage possible. Minimally invasive surgery, for example, aims to decrease the inflammatory effects inside the body as well as the damage caused by the size of the incision on the abdominal wall.

During the recovery time after surgery, patients will be instructed to follow certain guidelines to speed their recovery process. Both a holistic understanding and patience are required. The goals are not just to avoid damage to the repairs made at the site of surgery but also to aid in the physiologic recovery. This recovery process starts immediately after the operation with special areas in the hospital and nurses that will typically monitor vital signs including respiration, blood pressure and pulse.

After leaving the hospital, patients will need at least a few days to take it easy at home. When instructed by your doctor, it is important and beneficial to patients to begin low impact physical activity to improve recovery time and avoid complications with blood clotting, lung functions and agility. The amount and timeline of physical activity needs to be discussed with your surgeon. Certain physiologic changes that include water shifts, sleep cycle disturbance and mild mood changes are also expected consequences of your body’s natural machinery employed to assist in the healing process.

Surgical Concerns

The following instructions are essential to a safe experience and good outcome. If you are unable to comply with these instructions, you must notify our office as soon as possible. As a result, your surgery may have to be postponed or delayed, at the judgment of Dr. Belsley. This is essential to your health and safety. Stress and anxiety over life’s daily events and even your planned surgery can affect you. While some anxiety is common, any serious stress or distress over the thought of surgery is something you must discuss with our office. We are here to support you and answer all of your questions. We want your decision to be one made with confidence.

Recovery

DAY OF SURGERY POST-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Your recovery must continue at home. Just because you are sent home after your operation does not mean that you have completed your recovery. Please take time out of your busy schedule to allow enough time to take care of yourself.

Preparation

Pre-operative testing and medical clearance

The pace of life in New York can be very hectic. Try to remember that your decision for surgery reflects the fact that you have decided to take a proactive step to fix a health problem. Do not be shy about asking for help from your family and loved ones.

When can I go back to my normal activity level?

Your ability to resume presurgery levels of activity depends on your physical condition, the nature of the activity, and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Many patients return to normal levels of activity within three to six weeks of surgery.

What if my cravings don’t go away?

If you have cravings for specific foods it is a good idea to speak with your weight-loss team as we may be able to help you find acceptable alternative selections. Some of the foods you may be craving may not be easily digested or part of a weight loss regimen. In addition, patients who have had gastric surgery may miss the sensation of eating various foods that were formerly part of their regimen. Try to find ways to occupy your time and replace eating rituals or habits with another activity like exercise.

When to Call

Surgery is stressful not only psychologically but also physiologically. There are a number of normal, well-defined stress responses that occur after surgery. These stress responses cause alterations in your metabolic and physiological processes and induce changes in your inflammatory and hormonal responses.