Post-op Program

Congratulations! You had surgery!

Now what?

Sometimes right after surgery, all that good information that we totally understood before surgery has completely disappeared from our brains. That’s normal. Have a breath. It’s just playing hide and seek with you!

Your doctor, nurses and the team have each given you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. If you ever have any questions or concerns, be sure to call the office. Listed below is a basic outline of how diet and exercise are brought back into your daily routine. Please keep in mind that this is an overview unique to our program. Be sure to review the instructions that your surgeon has provided that are specifically for you.

•  Keep moving. You will want to walk at least every 2 hours while you are awake. if you have returned to work and are mostly sitting at a desk, get up and walk around for 5 minutes every hour. If you are taking a long drive, stop for walking breaks every hour.
   
•  Eating.  You are starting out either on a full liquid diet or have advanced to soft proteins depending on the surgery you had and your specific circumstances. Take small sips or bites and chew. Yes, chew even the liquids! Your goal is 2 to 3 meals each day consisting of primarily protein. A protein drink is considered a meal in those first few weeks after surgery. Refer to you patient owners manual for details and feel free to call or email the dietician with any questions. Also be sure to schedule your post surgery appointment with the dietician. This is a part of your surgery program and will serve to help you advance your diet.
  
  
•  Hydration.  When you’re not eating, remember to drink that water! work your way up to 64 ounces every day by taking small sips as often as possible.
  
  
•  Breathing exercises.  You were given an Incentive Spirometer in the hospital and shown how to use it before surgery. We encourage you to continue using this every day until you see your doctor in the office for your post-op visit.
  
  
•  Follow up. This varies depending on the type of surgery you had and any other individual issues.

Gastric Bypass – After the initial post-op visit, we need to see you at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and annually thereafter for 7 or more years. You will need to have lab tests done 10 days before each appointment so that we may review them with you when you come.

LAP-BAND® System – After the initial post-op visit, we will see you for your first adjustment at approximately 4 weeks after surgery. thereafter, you may return every 3 to 6 weeks for a band adjustment until you reach the ‘green zone’. Once there, we want to see you at 6 and 12 months post surgery and annually thereafter for 7 or more years. You will need to have lab tests done 10 days before the 6 and 12 month and annual appointments so that we may review them when you come.

• Lab Tests.  You may have labs drawn at any location you wish. We shall give you lab order forms in advance for your convenience.
  
  
• Support Groups. Personal Accountability is key to long term success. Support Groups can be very helpful with this and we encourage you to attend for at least 18months after surgery. We also offer special educational classes several times each year to support you every step of the way.
  
  
• Exercise. In addition to the basic walking that you will begin the same day as surgery, we encourage you to resume exercising 30 minutes every day. It can be as simple as walking or as complex as you choose. Our program includes a follow up appointment with the physical therapist and exercise physiologist at 6 weeks post surgery so take advantage of it and call to schedule that appointment. There are many options available. Please contact our office if you need additional guidance in this area.