Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery can be an important first step in your weight loss journey and can result in the reduction of 70% of your excess body weight within the first 2 years of undergoing the procedure. You may qualify for this life-transforming procedure if you are an individual of weight, have been unsuccessful at losing weight through diet and exercise alone, and have co-morbidities such as severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Because many people wonder about the recovery of bariatric surgery, when they can return to work and what to expect in the days and months afterwards, we are providing this overview of what you can expect following bariatric surgery.
- On waking up from your surgery, you may feel a little groggy with more of discomfort at the surgical site rather than pain. Within 2-3 hours, you will be encouraged to get up and move around.
- You can usually leave the hospital within 1 or 2 days, at which point you should be able to take care of your personal needs. However, you still may require assistance with driving, lifting heavy objects, and shopping.
- Driving may be resumed after you are off medications associated with the surgery, which could be anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks and you should be able to return to work within a week or two.
Once you are fully recovered, you will be delighted find many positive changes in your body. Having a higher energy level, reduced shortness of breath, getting a good night’s sleep, and improved self-confidence are just some of the benefits reported by patients who have successfully undergone bariatric surgery. Capitalize on these gains by listening to your body when it sends you signals to stop overeating and by sticking to your new diet and exercise routine as prescribed by your doctor and support team. Before long, you may no longer need to take your hypertension or diabetes medications because losing the excess weight can resolve these conditions.
Following your procedure, how closely you follow post-surgical instructions is the key to losing the excess weight permanently! According research studies, bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for extreme obesity and is likely to be used more widely in the future due to its many health benefits.
