After the Procedure

After the procedure, you’ll be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you’re alert, you’ll be taken to your hospital room.

You may receive pain medication as needed, either by a nurse or by administering it yourself through a device connected to your intravenous line. You’ll also be encouraged to move around as much as you can while you are in bed, and then to get out of bed and walk around as your strength improves.

At first you’ll receive fluids through an IV. After a day or two you’ll be given liquids, such as broth or clear juice, to drink.

Your physician will instruct you about how long to eat pureed foods after surgery. By one month after your procedure, you may be eating solid foods.

A nutritionist will instruct you about taking nutritional supplements to replace the nutrients lost due to the reconstruction of the digestive tract. Before you’re discharged from the hospital, we’ll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with your physician.