Most patients stay in the hospital approximately one to two days after a laparoscopic procedure and three to five days after an open procedure. You will be discharged when you are able to:
- Take enough liquids and nutrients by mouth to prevent dehydration
- Have no
fever and are able to move about
- Have adequate pain control with oral medication
Depending on which procedure is performed, one or two small drains may be placed
around the stomach pouch and the bypassed stomach to drain body fluids after the
surgery. These are usually removed in three to ten days. To help prevent blood clots,
anti-embolism stockings or other compression devices will be placed on your legs,
and your surgeon will require you to attempt to stand up and move around as soon
as possible, usually within the first 24 hours.
Depending on your
medical condition, there is the possibility of being placed in the intensive care
unit to closely monitor your heart and lungs. Patients
who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
(BiPAP) for sleep apnea may be asked to bring their machines with them for use immediately
after the operation.
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