What to expect after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y is a complex surgery and just like any major surgery, the patient will experience postoperative pain, which can be managed with medications. There can be discomfort due to the nasogastric tube inserted into the nose, and the mouth may feel dry due to the endotracheal tube placed through the mouth into the trachea during the operation. The surgical incision is dressed and left for 48 hours to heal. Venodyne boots fitted to the patient’s legs gently squeeze the legs to prevent embolism due to blood clots. A gastronomy tube may be initially inserted into the larger part of the stomach to drain its secretions. This tube is removed depending on the progress of the patient. A urinary catheter, which is inserted during the operation, is kept on till the second day to monitor hydration. 

By the next day the patient is usually able sit up or even walks around. The patient is encouraged to walk to prevent pneumonia and blood clots. Normal physical activity may be resumed in three to four week’s time.

Due to the pain, patients tend to take shallow breaths and therefore they are taught breathing exercises. A spirometer may be used for this purpose from day two of the surgery. Coughing is encouraged to clear the lungs of mucus.

Initially, pain medications are administered intravenously; but patients are prescribed oral medications either on the third day or on discharge from the hospital.

No food or water is to be taken immediately after surgery. The next day patients are allowed sips of water throughout the day. A clear liquid diet is allowed on the first day. If the person can tolerate this, he or she can be started on a milk-based diet from the second day. Pureed food is allowed as per the dietitian’s instruction.

After discharge a number tests have to be done in order to check any leakage from the pouch. Also, chest x-rays are taken to rule out the possibility of pneumonia and other complications. Blood tests are also done as and when recommended by the weight loss surgeon.

A dietician usually visits the patient on the third day or before discharge in order to advise food restrictions and habits. Even after discharge a dietician must be consulted for various diet-related matters.

In case there are no complications, most bariatric surgery patients will have to stay in hospital for three days. In case of nausea, vomiting, fever, or infection, the person has to stay in hospital longer.