Recovery After Surgery

The surgery is done as an outpatient at Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center. The surgery lasts from 1 to 3 hours. After surgery, patients will be up out of bed walking within a few hours. This is very important for recovery. Early ambulation (walking) decreases a variety of risks associated with the surgery. Patients should expect to be at the surgery center for several hours after surgery. After discharge some patients may be required to sleep the first night at Sea Pines Rehabilitation Center. This overnight observation is primarily for our patients who have a risk of sleep apnea. If the overnight stay is required this will be arranged after the anesthesia visit

.

Activity after surgery is "as tolerated". The average patient can do light activity immediately with more vigorous activity in one to two weeks. There is no forced limitation on activity, but patients should use their body as a guide and only engage in activities that do not cause discomfort. Patients typically take one to two weeks off from work.

For the first three weeks, patients are asked to take a diet that is designed to prevent distention of the pouch. The next three weeks involves a transition to the ultimate post band diet. Patients should be on the post band diet by the six week point. At that point, the patient's first band adjustment is done.