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You
have recently undergone a gastric bypass operation and have
just been released from the hospital. The following are instructions
regarding what you can expect once you get home.
If
your dressing has not been removed, it may be removed and
you may shower. If you have had a wound infection or any other
problems while in the hospital, please follow specific discharge
instructions you may have been given. Do not vigorously scrub
your wound, you may allow water to wash over your wound and
lightly wash it and pat dry.
Do
not soak in a tub until four weeks after surgery. At that
time, you may take short baths, less than 30 minutes.
With
regards to your activity, it is important to continue to be
active. Do not lift over 15 pounds, perform excessive bending,
or drive. Once you are completely free of pain, you may drive
a car. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity until eight
weeks after surgery or as directed by your surgeon. It is
okay to go for rides in a car, go for walks, or go for brief
trips to the store with friends or family members.
A
good rule of thumb is the more active you are, the stronger
you will get. Initially, you will feel quite weak. Do not
exhaust yourself, but it is important to continue to be active.
Continued sitting or lying could possibly promote clot formation
in your legs. As you gain more strength and feel less pain,
you will be able to gradually increase your activity. In the
near future, it will become more important to increase exercise
as well.
Do
not expect to return to work for four to eight weeks.
You
have been given instructions regarding your diet. For the
next two weeks, until you have been seen by your doctor, please
follow the instructions carefully. If you have any concerns,
questions, or problems with this diet, please call our office.
Reminder:
Sentara Leigh has a support group that meets the 2nd Wednesday
of each month at 7 pm. Please try and attend these meetings.
You
should schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor for
two weeks after surgery. If you have staples, they will need
to be removed seven to ten days after surgery.
Call the office for the
following signs and symptoms:
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increased pain, redness,
or swelling beyond incision.
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chills or fevers above
101 degrees
-
drainage or bleeding
from incision site
-
nausea and/or vomiting.
Virginia Beach (ph#. 422-2212)
Chesapeake (ph# 548-1038)
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