13 St George Obesity Surgery Unit | Bariatric Book | Driving is discouraged until one week after surgery or whenever you are comfortable with it. The same applies to grocery shopping, housekeeping and gardening. Medications, Multivitamins And Supplements Resume the medications you were taking before surgery, except if advised otherwise. You should, if possible, liaise with your GP or endocrinologist to ensure that your usual medications are taken according to your new post op blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you have multiple medical problems it is suggested you visit the GP 3-4 days after discharge. Any concerns, please contact our room ASAP, however your GP is the best person to adjust those medications, not your surgeon. When you leave the hospital you will also have prescriptions for medications to be taken after discharge. If not, please ASK FOR IT. Anticoagulation medications and analgesia pain medications Please take analgesia according to the instructions. They are not compulsory medication, but are there to keep you comfortable. Usage varies depending on the patient, so only take them if you need them. Remember to drink a lot of fluids but avoid all liquids with high calories (juices, commercial milkshakes and soft drinks). Aim for at least 1.5 litre of water per day. Listen to your “New Stomach”. When you feel full, STOP. Meals should be 1/2 cup and protein based and it should take up to 30 minutes to complete it. PLEASE REFER TO THE DIETARY GUIDE PROVIDED BY OUR DIETITIAN FOR HELP. You will start a “free fluid” diet today that includes yoghurt, custard, milk, soup and diet cordial. Remember this is a test meal and you are not expected to eat all the items on your tray. Take VERY SMALL SIPS, start with a teaspoon and STOP WHEN YOU FEEL SATISFIED. Intravenous fluid will be continuing to ensure adequate hydration. If you can drink at least 1 litre of fluid a day, your IV drip will be removed by the end of the day. Appropriate medication is given to treat and prevent any symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is important to prevent vomiting to prevent any stress to the staple line. Any patient with a previous tendency to experience severe nausea and vomiting after operation needs to notify our anaesthetic specialists before the surgery. This allows preventative measures to be taken. Day Two If you have achieved the above mentioned goals you may be ready to be discharged this morning. It is recommended to continue on a fluid diet for a few more days following your surgery. Remember, the most important thing is to maintain hydration. i.e. drinking enough fluid. You will know that you are drinking enough if you are passing urine a few times a day. It is normal for your urine to appear “bright yellow” because of your multivitamin. When you sense fullness, STOP! If you experience pain behind the breastbone or in the upper stomach, or like you’re about to vomit or actually do vomit - you’ve had way too much. Going Home It is important to maintain an active life. You will do better and reduce your risk of complications if you are working towards getting back to normal activities quickly. Try to walk at least 30 minutes each and every day. Walking is the best and the only accepted form of exercise that is allowed until your follow up appointment. No other exercises are encouraged at this time.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1