Post-Op Instructions

These post-bariatric surgery instructions will serve as general guidelines to assist you in your recovery after bariatric surgery for severe obesity. If you have a question or problem, do not hesitate to call our office for instructions.

Discharge Instructions

Call 800-633-THIN day or night for emergencies.
Check temperature and pulse twice daily for the first week after bariatric surgery – Call if fever is 101° or higher or if pulse is over 110.
Contact us for vomiting or abdominal pain lasting more than 4 hours or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours.
Contact us anytime you feel the need to be seen for emergency medical attention related to your bariatric surgery, especially if seen by another physician or hospital.
You may bathe or shower after bariatric surgery but do not scrub incisions for 3 weeks. Notify us if you notice any redness or drainage from incisions. Wash with antibacterial soap and gently pat dry.

Post-Bariatric Surgery Step-by-Step Rules & Guidelines

Use incentive spirometry bottle four times daily for 10 days.
You may walk, go up and down stairs and drive a car as soon as you feel up to it. Do Not Take Pain Medication and Drive.
No lifting more than 10 pounds the first 3 weeks.
No activity restrictions after 3 weeks.
Increased gas is common in the first 3-6 weeks. We recommend Gas-X or Di-Gel for relief.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory pain medications unless approved by your surgeon (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Aleve, Daypro, Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra, etc.) YOU MAY TAKE TYLENOL PRODUCTS (Acetaminophen).
Take vitamin-calcium supplements daily post-bariatric surgery.
- Bariatric Advantage Chewable with iron daily
- Calcium 1500mg plus Vit. D 800 units (chewable for the first 6 weeks). Examples are Bariatric Advantage Calcium chews, lozenges, or Calcium Crystals
- Two (2) Bariatric Advantage chewable iron if female with menstrual periods
- Do Not Take Calcium and Iron Together or it will block the absorption of the iron
- Do not take 2 “pills” at the same time after bariatric surgery or it can block the outlet of the stomach. Wait about 10 minutes between medications
- Female patients should not become pregnant for 18 months until weight loss has stabilized or injury could occur to the unborn child
- Female patients who have menstrual periods should take chewable iron tablets daily until they reach menopause

Do Not Donate Blood

If you encounter a problem contact Dr. Garber or Dr. Holover or one of the other surgeons at The New York Bariatric Group and return to the Emergency Room where you had your bariatric surgery, or have the physician where you are contact us if you present for treatment. There are many physicians that are unfamiliar with weight loss surgery and serious errors in treatment could occur.

Do not allow them to insert a stomach tube for any reason. Insist the doctor call us

In the first week post-bariatric surgery, most patients can only drink one protein supplement per day until the pouch swelling decreases.
Carry a container with a straw around with you the first week after bariatric surgery and sip on liquids all day to prevent dehydration.

If you have any further questions or concerns about what you can or cannot do post-bariatric surgery, call the office of the New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-THIN today.

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Post-Op Instructions

Discharge Instructions

Post-Bariatric Surgery Step-by-Step Rules & Guidelines

Do Not Donate Blood

Do not allow them to insert a stomach tube for any reason. Insist the doctor call us

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

It saved my life.

5.0

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

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