At Home

Once you’re home, it’ll be important to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Your physician will give you specific bathing instructions.

The incision and abdominal muscles may ache, especially with deep breathing, coughing and exertion. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your physician. Because aspirin or certain other pain medications can increase the chance of bleeding, be sure to take only recommended medications.

Continue the breathing exercises you began using in the hospital, and gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated. It may take several weeks to return to your previous levels of stamina. You may be instructed to avoid lifting heavy items for several months in order to prevent strain on your abdominal muscles and surgical incision.

Weight loss surgery can be emotionally difficult because you’ll be adjusting to new dietary habits and a body in the process of change. You may feel especially tired during the first month following surgery. But once your body adjusts, you’ll start to feel better. Also, exercise and attending a support group can be helpful at this time.

Notify your physician to report any of the following:

• Fever and/or chills
• Redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the incision site
• Increased pain around the incision site

Following gastric bypass surgery, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions, depending on your particular situation.