What You Can Expect
Change text size
During gastric bypass surgery
No matter which type of gastric bypass surgery you undergo (open or laparoscopic), your surgeon will perform the procedure while you are under general anesthesia. You will be "asleep" during the surgery. The surgery lasts about two hours.
During surgery, a tube will be threaded through your nose into your stomach to suction the stomach empty and allow healing. This nasal gastric tube is removed in the recovery room, where you will stay for approximately two hours after the procedure.
It's very important to rest the stomach after the surgery. That's why you will not be allowed to drink anything until the second day after the operation.
If you have open gastric bypass surgery, afterwards you will notice two drainage tubes coming through the abdominal skin. One of the tubes will be removed about three or four days after surgery. The other tube, along with the staples, will be removed nine to 14 days after surgery.
Following either open or laparoscopic surgery, but particularly if you undergo the open approach, you can expect the incision will be uncomfortable for the first day or two, but IV medications will help. We advise patients to exercise their legs and take deep breaths regularly (every half-hour while they're awake) to prevent blood clots and pneumonia.
After you are released from the hospital, it is very important to return for regular visits to ensure the recovery is on track. We want to deal with any problems that may arise as soon as possible.