Bariatric Surgery Recovery Time

Bariatric Surgery Recovery 

Recovery is an important aspect of bariatric surgery procedure. The surgeon and their team will guide and support the patient through the recovery process and inform the estimated recovery time during the initial consultation. Judicious and diligent bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides weight loss procedures to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding locations.

Estimated Downtime

Most patients will go through a downtime of about one to two weeks following bariatric surgery. Depending on the type of surgical technique, the extent of weight reduction, and the patient’s natural healing ability, the actual recovery period can vary. Once the patient returns to their normal activities or resumes their job at the workplace, they will still need rest breaks for about a week during the workday.

A feeling of low energy may linger on in the first week back to work, and the patient may need to have a few half days, or work every alternate day during this time. Low energy can pose risk in some types of jobs, so the patient should carefully determine the time to join back their duty at the workplace.

Many patients feel concerned about getting hernias in the incision areas following the surgery. However, this condition will almost never occur due to work or lifting weights. Hernias occur more often due to an infection. Therefore, patients should have correct information about their potential risk factors during the recovery phase.

Resuming Fitness Routine

According to experts, a patient can resume their exercise routine almost immediately, but in a controlled manner. While the patient is in the hospital, they will be encouraged to take gentle, short walks. It is important to start slow, and carefully follow the surgeon’s advice and listen to the body.

Patients who want to perform sports activities or lift weights should take care to say ‘low impact’ in the first month of recovery. Their goal should be participation, not competition. They can build their strength gradually over several weeks. Patients who want to resume swimming will have to wait until the wounds are healed.

Hospital Stay

A hospital stay of about two to five days can be involved following a weight loss surgery. But the actual duration of hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s medical history and specific risks. In the hospital, the patient will have to be on a diet of clear liquids, but can ingest pureed foods once they are discharged.

Long-term Recovery

After a rest of about 7 to 14 days, the patient can return to work. But they should work slowly back into a full time routine. Their employer should allow them the time required to eat the meals slowly at the workplace in order to ensure proper nutrition.

Lifting of objects heavier than 25 pounds must be strictly avoided for at least one month after the surgery. Accomplished bariatric surgeon Dr. Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other communities across the region for weight loss surgery.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.

To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.