Bariatric Surgery Hospital Stay: What to Expect and How to Recover

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a major step toward a healthier future, but a smooth recovery time is essential for the best results. Understanding what happens during your hospital stay, how to care for yourself at home, and which activities to follow or avoid will help ensure a successful healing process.

At Detroit Weight Loss Center, our experienced bariatric surgeon in Southfield and Commerce Charter Township, Michigan, provides expert care to support you through your weight loss surgery journey. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay

After bariatric surgery, your nursing staff and bariatric surgery team will closely monitor your condition. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three days, depending on the procedure, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

During your hospital stay, your care team will:

Manage pain and provide medications as needed
Monitor for complications, including blood clots
Encourage light movement to promote circulation
Help you transition to a liquid diet

To learn more about our medical weight loss programs, visit the Detroit Weight Loss Center.

Essential Exercises to Help You Recover in the Hospital

The single most effective way to shorten recovery time is to get active right away. Moving promotes circulation, which enhances healing and discourages the formation of blood clots. The sooner you start light activities, the faster you’ll regain strength.

Beginning the first night after surgery:

Sit up and dangle your feet at the edge of the bed.
Stand at your bedside with the assistance of a nurse or physical therapist.
This may be uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier with each attempt.

The day after surgery and beyond:

Get out of bed and walk as soon as possible.
Walk at least three times per day.
Perform leg and breathing exercises every hour.

Breathing and Coughing Exercises

Your nurse will teach you how to breathe deeply and cough properly to prevent complications such as pneumonia and help clear secretions.

How to Breathe Deeply:

Inhale deeply, allowing your belly (not just your chest) to expand.
Hold your breath for two seconds.
Exhale completely.
Repeat three times.

How to Cough for Recovery:

Take a deep breath in.
Cough from your abdomen, not your throat.
Hold a pillow against your stomach for support.

Foot and Leg Exercises to Prevent Blood Clots

Perform these movements at least once every hour while in bed:

Push your toes forward as if pressing a gas pedal.
Pull your toes toward your head, then relax.
Rotate each ankle in circles, first to the right, then to the left.
Repeat three times.

How to Care for Yourself at Home After Bariatric Surgery

Once returning home, your focus should be on rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. Your diet will gradually progress from clear liquids to soft foods, and staying hydrated is critical. Regular follow-up visits with your bariatric surgery team will help monitor your progress.

To promote healing:

Follow your post-op diet carefully.
Drink small, frequent sips of water.
Take all prescribed vitamins and supplements.
Get plenty of rest while incorporating light movement.

Activities That Can Slow Your Recovery (And Should Be Avoided)

Some activities can slow your recovery or lead to complications. Be sure to:

Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least six weeks.
Stay away from high-impact exercises.
Avoid driving until cleared by your doctor.
Do not consume carbonated beverages or alcohol.
Avoid smoking, as it can hinder healing.

Safe and Effective Activities to Support Your Healing

While some activities should be avoided, others can help you heal and adjust to life after weight loss surgery:

Walking daily to improve circulation.
Gentle stretching to maintain flexibility.
Practicing mindful eating habits.
Attending support groups to stay motivated.

Common Side Effects After Bariatric Surgery

During the first few weeks, you may experience:

Fatigue and mild discomfort.
Temporary nausea or vomiting.
Bloating or gas pains.
Sensitivity to certain foods.

These side effects are normal and should improve over time with proper care.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

While most patients recover without complications, some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call your bariatric surgery team if you experience:

Severe or worsening abdominal pain.
Persistent nausea or vomiting.
Signs of infection, such as fever or redness at incision sites.
Difficulty swallowing or keeping fluids down.
Shortness of breath or swelling in the legs (possible blood clots).

Get Expert Support for Your Weight Loss Journey

Recovering from bariatric surgery requires patience, proper care, and professional guidance. At Detroit Weight Loss Center, our experienced bariatric surgeon in Southfield and Commerce Charter Twp provides compassionate support to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery or need assistance with your recovery, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We provide a full range of procedures to help you reach your goals. Your journey to a healthier future starts here!

Dr. Blake Movitz

Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.

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