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How long do you stay in hospital after gastric bypass surgery?

I will have gastric bypass surgery. How long do you stay in hospital after gastric bypass surgery?

4 Answers

The length of your hospital stay after gastric bypass surgery can vary depending on several factors, including your individual health, the specific surgical approach used, and the hospital's protocols. However, here is a general timeline for a typical hospital stay following gastric bypass surgery:

1. **Immediate Postoperative Period (1-2 Days):** Most individuals who undergo gastric bypass surgery spend one to two days in the hospital immediately following the procedure. During this time, you will be closely monitored by the medical staff to ensure that you are recovering well from surgery. You'll receive pain management, fluids, and nutritional support through an IV.

2. **Transition to Oral Intake (1-2 Days):** After the initial postoperative period, you will gradually transition from receiving fluids through an IV to drinking clear liquids and then progressing to a pureed or soft diet. The medical team will closely monitor your ability to tolerate these oral intake stages.

3. **Mobility and Education (1-2 Days):** During your hospital stay, you'll also receive education from healthcare professionals on dietary and lifestyle changes necessary for post-surgery recovery and long-term success. You'll be encouraged to start walking and moving around as soon as possible to prevent complications like blood clots.

4. **Discharge (3-4 Days):** The specific length of your hospital stay may vary, but many patients are discharged within three to four days after gastric bypass surgery. The decision to discharge you will depend on factors such as your ability to tolerate oral intake, manage pain, and walk independently.

It's important to remember that everyone's recovery is unique, and your healthcare team will assess your progress and readiness for discharge on an individual basis. After you're discharged, you'll continue your recovery at home, following the dietary guidelines and instructions provided by your healthcare team. You will also have scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your diet as you move through different phases of the post-operative recovery process.

Be sure to discuss the expected length of your hospital stay and any specific concerns with your surgeon and healthcare team before the surgery. They can provide you with more personalized information based on your health and the specific surgical approach planned for your gastric bypass.
It depends up to 5-10 days.
2/3 of my patients go home one day after surgery. The vast majority of the rest go home two days after surgery.
This needs to be answered by a surgeon. Your bariatric surgeon should give you this information.