Most patients stay in the hospital approximately three to seven days after an open procedure. They may stay two to four days after a laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure and one day after a sleeve gastrectomy. Most adjustable gastric banding patients go home the same day of their surgery.
When you awaken in the post-anesthesia area, we will assess you level of pain control and assure your comfort. You will then have an intravenous (IV) pain pump that you can utilize to control your pain. Wedo not routinely use nasogastric tubes or drainage tubes, so you will be free to move around post-operatively. To help prevent blood clots, anti-embolism stockings or other compression devices will be placed on your legs, and Dr. Scott will require you to attempt to stand up and move around within four hours of your surgery.
Depending on your medical condition, there is a 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 will be asked to bring their machines with them for use immediately after the operation.
On the day after your surgery, you will have an x-ray exam to assure that there is no sign of leakage or that the Lap-Band* is appropriately placed. After your x-ray, you will begin to take liquids by mouth and if tolerated well will be advanced to a pureed diet.
You will be discharged on post-operative day #2 when you are able to:
Dr. Scott performs surgery at Floyd Medical Center. For more information, please visit www.floyd.org.