Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Surgery – Types, Complications and Results

Bariatric surgery generally takes 2-2 ½ hrs, and the surgeon will normally inform the family after surgery has been completed.

The patient recovers in the recovery room from the effects of anaesthesia, after 2-3 hr

Once fully recovered the patient will be wheeled to their bed or room in the hospital.

Patients may have a nasogastric tube (NG), an IV and a Foley catheter in their bladder.

The NG is usually removed 1-2 days later, after an x-ray of the new pouch has been taken.

After 2-3 days the patient can begin drinking water and about 60ml of a dietary supplement such as Boost, Horlicks or other similar food supplements.

The patient will remain on liquids for the first 2 weeks after surgery, drinking the supplement for meals.

The other liquids patients may have are decaffeinated coffee or tea, skimmed milk, broth (kanji), water, diluted fruit juice (1/3 juice mixed with 2/3 water) and sugar-free ice candies.

The patient must avoid at all costs sweetened and/or carbonated beverages and adding sugar in their liquids.

Average hospital stay is from 5 to 7 days depending on the physique of the patient.

Patients must be able to drink adequate amounts of fluid before they can be discharged home.